When some audiences read Kate Chopin's The Awakening, they perceive a feminist play ahead of its time or look for hidden metaphors and allusions. Some readers would be content to simply ponder the meaning of the title. However, while each of these issues are present and relevant in the novel, they are only subtexts beneath the book's true focus: Marxism. The Awakening focuses on the main character's digressions from societal norms, focuses closely on social classes in the late 19th century United States, and provides in-depth commentary on the values ​​of the bourgeoisie and their place in society . Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay The book opens with its main character, Edna Pontellier, enjoying the wealth and status afforded to her by her husband , Léonce, who is a successful businessman in New Orleans. Likewise, she bathes in the warmth of the sun at the seaside resort where she and her children spend their summer. Although extreme societal demand and respect for marriage is rare in today's society, marriage was a vital and central part of life in the 19th century. It is therefore unexpected that Edna considers her husband, “a person she married without love as an excuse” (Chopin 77). Her debauched and rebellious ways lead her to two treacherous escapades. It is clear that she chose to marry Léonce solely for the financial freedom it gives her, and that she feels no remorse for it. On a whim, Edna decides to move into a new home while her husband is out of town. She justifies her decision to her friend: “The house, the money that finances it, does not belong to me. Isn't that reason enough? (Chopin 79). She is aware of her financial situation and ready to abuse it. This character is not the type to approach the limits of societal norms with the slow, cautious step of a climber approaching a crevasse – she genuinely seems to revel in aberrant behavior. It is only during her first kiss with a man other than her husband that Edna's emotions are described so vividly: "It was the first kiss of her life to which her nature had truly responded." It was a flaming torch that kindled desire” (Chopin 83). The main character's deviant behavior is one of the most striking indications of the Marxist nature of Chopin's novel. Another reason why The Awakening is classified as a piece of Marxist literature is its focus on the bourgeoisie or working class. The Pontelliers and their acquaintances are not poor, as evidenced by their living conditions, their apparent disposable income, and their servants; but neither are they rich enough to retire from their occupations. A New Orleans tycoon, Léonce Pontellier's company finances the entire setting of each scene in the book. Likewise, his and Edna's friends depend on a professional income. The most modest of acquaintances, Miss Reisz, can afford a reasonably sized apartment, while their doctor has a driver for his personal car. Little attention is paid to the servants, with the narrative referring to them casually as "the cook" or simply "Joe". There are no main or supporting characters in the lower class; servants are the only occurrences of such people. Even though her husband's success and wealth place him and his family in the upper echelons of society, Edna seems to be middle class at heart. Raised in a.