Document Type

Class Paper

Publication Date

Spring 2016

Abstract

All birds tweet or chirp, but a mockingbird collects over 200 unique songs throughout its life and beautifully sings them for everyone to enjoy (Oldham). Not surprisingly, this can inspire some interesting symbolism. Kate Chopin is known for her use of bird imagery in The Awakening. The main character, Edna Pontellier, as well as a few other characters, are associated with several different birds throughout the novel. These associations are important in conveying the novel’s theme of flying against society’s ideals. I think another author to note who uses the image of a bird to convey a significant idea is Harper Lee. In Lee’s work, To Kill a Mockingbird, the title itself gives readers a picture of a bird. I believe that looking at the birds in The Awakening is a way to read important ideas in To Kill a Mockingbird.

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