How would you assess the literary merit of the portion you have read of Kate Chopin’s novella The Awakening? Provide a working definition of literary merit and apply it to the text, using specific textual details to support your position. Your response should be one paragraph in length.
Literary merit can be defined as the quality or value of a piece of literature that makes it worthy of critical praise or recognition. In the portion of Kate Chopin's novella The Awakening that I have read, the literary merit is evident through Chopin's adept use of vivid and evocative language, her exploration of complex themes such as identity, freedom, and societal expectations, and her ability to create complex and relatable characters. For example, in the opening chapters, Chopin paints a vivid picture of the protagonist Edna Pontellier's dissatisfaction with her role as a wife and mother, using poignant descriptions to convey her inner turmoil. The novella also delves into the societal constraints faced by women in the late 19th century, reflecting the struggles of many women at the time. The nuanced portrayal of Edna's journey and her battle against societal expectations adds depth and complexity to the narrative, further highlighting the literary merit of Chopin's work.
