The Awakening: A Freudian Analysis

In the 19th century, Sigmund Freud created a popular new method of psychological analysis, appropriately titled "psychoanalysis." Dealing primarily with subconscious impulses and desires, this popular method of evaluation soon spread beyond the realm of science and in to the literary world. In reading The Awakening by Kate Chopin, psychoanalysis introduces a significant revelation in regards to the novel's main characters. Using a Freudian analysis, the reader can see how both male and female characters exhibit subconscious signs of sexual repression and, in the more extreme cases, displacement of sexual passions and energy. When broken down, these characters can be divided into three categories: the decadent, the displaced, and the transitory.
Pontellier derives security from. One of the best examples of his preference for possessions comes during Chopin's play on words. The man thinks of his property, not as his household goods, but his "household gods" (83), placing them high in the importance of his life. It is no wonder then that when it comes to the treatment of his wife Edna, he necessarily treats her as a possession. Mr. Pontellier's most interesting reoccurring theme, however, is represented by the need to confirm social status when threatened. When his wife buys a new house, instead of suspecting a secret affair, as most men might, he fears that people will question his abilities as a provider. His solution, therefore, is to add more rooms to the main house, denoting an inferiority complex. But it is when Mr. Pontellier is insecure in his social status, a symbol of his sex life, that we begin assuming insecurity in bedroom performance and even his role in the bedroom. Which introduces us to the possibility of Mr. Pontellier's bisexual or even homosexual tendencies. Because Leonce's self confidence is always in relation to the views of other men and not his wife, we see support for this reasoning. His attendance at the Men's club satisfies the need for companionship so he does not worry about pleasing his wife when he comes home. And then there is the symbolism behind Leonce's cigars. Posing as both a phallic symbol and a source of oral fixation, this can easily point to the confused sexuality of Edna's husband. But then again, given Freud's famous quote, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar," the great psychologist might not agree with me. Still, I will stand by my claim that Leonce's cigars are a portrayal of phallic imagery, and thus, if not a sign of bisexual behavior, can be viewed as a sign of his virility and manhood. Given the trends of the time, all "gentleman" possessed a commonality in smoking cigars and therein lies the strongest support