Symbolism for Independence and Freedom in Kate Chopin's "The Awakening"

_____In this novel, symbolism plays a major part in shaping the story. The most important aspects of this story are Edna's longing for freedom and independence. These two yearnings are represented in many ways. One of the more important symbols for independence is clothing. _____At various points throughout the novel, Edna begins to shed more and more clothing. This symbolizes her shedding of all the Victorian values and conventions that make her feel disenchanted and …

…into her memories, she realizes she cannot go back to her "life" and lose her sense of self. Edna's need to maintain her individuality overwhelms any of her other earthly desires and because of this, she chooses to stay in the one place that awakened her nature. Perhaps it seemed like an easy way out, but in Edna's eyes, it might have seemed that her death would be the only way to gain absolute closure.