Edna seeks professional freedom in art, but lacks the courage to become a true artist. As Edna awakens to her identity and sensuality, she also awakens to art. Originally, Edna “engaged” in drawing “in an unprofessional manner” (Chopin 543). She could only imitate, albeit poorly (Dyer 89). She tries to draw Adèle Ratignolle, but the painting “doesn’t look anything like” her subject. After her awakening experience in Grand Isle, Edna began to view her art as an occupation (Dyer 85). She tells Mademoiselle Reisz that she is “becoming an artist” (Chopin 584). Traditionally, women viewed art as a hobby, but for Edna, it was much more important than that. The painting symbolizes Edna's independence; through art, she frees herself from the mold of her society. A predominant art form in The Awakening is piano playing. Playing the piano symbolizes the role of women in society. In Edna's society, artistic skills, such as playing the piano and drawing, were achievements acquired by women. These were simply improvements in their education, not employment opportunities. Women artists, whether musicians, painters, or writers, struggled to be accepted into society (Dyer 86). Kate Chopin presents two women who echo Edna: Madame Ratignolle and Mademoiselle Reisz (Koloski 117). These two women play the piano; however, their goals and motivations are very different. The way they perceive their piano playing reflects their values. Adèle Ratignolle uses art to beautify her home. Madame Ratignolle represents the ideal woman-mother (Bloom 119). Her main concerns and interests are her husband and children. She was the social model of the role of women. Madame Ratignolle's goal in playing the pia...... middle of paper......instead, she chooses to succumb to death (Boren 181). On the other hand, choosing the solitude of the sea is a triumph of Edna's artistic soul. In life there is no true solitude; Edna swims fearlessly to face the solitude of death. Main source Chopin, Kate. Awakening. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: WW Norton, 2007. 535-625. Print.Secondary sourcesBloom, Harold, ed. Modern critical views: Kate Chopin. New York: Chelsea House, 1987. Print. Boren, Lynda S. and Sara DeSaussure Davis, eds. Kate Chopin Reconsidered: Beyond the Bayou. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP, 1999. Print. Dyer, Joyce. Awakening: a novel about beginnings. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1993. Print. Koloski, Bernard, ed. Approaches to teaching Chopin's Awakening. New York: American Modern Language Association, 1988. Print.