In his essay “Culture”, Steven Greenblatt makes the assertion that culture functions “as a pervasive technology of control, a set of limits within which social behaviour must be contained” (Greenblatt 225). This controlling function of culture is a central issue in Kate Chopin`s novel “The Awakening”. In the following essay I will prove that cultural boundaries and social conventions play a very important role in “The Awakening”. By means of two specific examples from the text, I will show that Greenblatt`s thesis corresponds to the function of culture at the time in which the novel takes place.
Table of Contents
1. The controlling function of culture as an important theme in Kate Chopin`s novel “The Awakening”
1.1 Abandoning the Reception Day
1.2 Moving out alone into a new home
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this essay is to analyze how the concept of culture, defined by Steven Greenblatt as a technology of control, manifests within Kate Chopin’s novel "The Awakening" through the societal constraints imposed upon the protagonist.
- The role of cultural boundaries and social conventions in the late 19th century.
- The economic and social functions of domestic rituals such as the "Reception Day."
- The separation of domestic and public spheres and its impact on gender roles.
- The consequences of non-conformity and the societal pressure to maintain appearances.
Excerpt from the Book
Abandoning the Reception Day
According to “An Etiquette/Advice Book Sampler” the Reception Days are among the most important duties of a wife at the time of the turn to the twentieth century. At this particular day, the wife has to be prepared for callers and visitors permanently. Furthermore, it is regarded as very rude to be out when guests call (Culley 123). Despite this tradition, Edna goes out on Reception Day without having a proper excuse, but “simply [because she] felt like going out” (Culley 49). As Leonce learns this from his wife he becomes very angry with her. He informs Edna that they have to keep to certain social conventions “if [they] ever expect to get on and keep up with the procession” (the same page). By abandoning the Reception Day, Edna dishonors Leonce because her duty as a middle-class wife is to show her husband`s wealth and status to her visitors (Martin 19). However, Leonce mainly worries about the financial consequence of Edna`s behaviour as he tells her not to ignore Mrs. Belthrop because “Belthrop could buy and sell [them] ten times over” (Culley 49).
Chapter Summaries
The controlling function of culture as an important theme in Kate Chopin`s novel “The Awakening”: This chapter introduces the theoretical framework of culture as a control mechanism and establishes how Edna Pontellier’s struggle against societal expectations drives the narrative.
Abandoning the Reception Day: This section examines how Edna’s defiance of social rituals threatens her husband’s economic status and illustrates the conflict between individual desire and social performance.
Moving out alone into a new home: This section explores Edna’s attempt to establish autonomy outside of her marriage, analyzing how societal perceptions of scandal and the financial pressures of reputation management reinforce cultural limits.
Keywords
Kate Chopin, The Awakening, Steven Greenblatt, culture, social control, gender roles, domestic sphere, nineteenth century, social conventions, non-conformity, reputation, marriage, Edna Pontellier, autonomy, etiquette.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic work?
The essay explores the thematic relevance of Steven Greenblatt’s theory of culture as a "technology of control" within Kate Chopin’s novel "The Awakening."
Which thematic areas are central to the analysis?
The core themes include the constraints of social conventions, the gendered division of domestic and public spheres, and the economic stakes associated with maintaining social status.
What is the primary research question?
The work seeks to demonstrate how cultural boundaries and societal expectations act as controlling forces that dictate the behavior of individuals, specifically the protagonist, Edna Pontellier.
Which academic methodology is employed?
The author uses a literary-theoretical approach, applying Greenblatt’s concept of culture as a set of containment limits to specific textual examples from the novel.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The body covers specific instances of rebellion, such as the abandonment of the Reception Day and Edna’s decision to move out, analyzing their social and financial repercussions.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include social control, nineteenth-century gender roles, cultural containment, marriage, and the intersection of individual autonomy and societal pressure.
Why is the "Reception Day" significant to Mr. Pontellier’s business?
The Reception Day acts as a networking tool; Edna's failure to perform this duty as a wife is perceived as a threat to her husband’s professional success and financial reputation.
How does the author interpret Edna’s act of moving into a new home?
Moving out is viewed as an act of resistance against the cultural norm that a wife and her possessions are owned by her husband, highlighting the risks of social expulsion.
What role does the "public vs. domestic" dichotomy play in the text?
The separation of these spheres is described as a mechanism to enforce feminine passivity and limit competition, though the author argues this actually increases tension between spouses.
What is the ultimate conclusion regarding culture in the novel?
The author concludes that culture acts as a strict set of models, and those who deviate from these predefined limits, like Edna, face significant social and economic consequences.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Eleonora Reis (Autor:in), 2006, The controlling function of culture as an important theme in Kate Chopin`s novel "The Awakening" , München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/125888
