Research Paper on:
Literary Realism and Social Problems

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
the definition of being human. Analyzing the following four stories, one finds that the human condition is a regular consideration, in that humanity is constantly in question: Is Man  strong or weak, good or evil, redeemed or condemned, honorable or chicken-hearted? The climate of the human condition is what compels these great works to delve deeply into the  conscience of humanity. Inner strength, unrelenting passion and an extraordinary sense of escapism is representative of Edna Pontellier, the heroine of Kate Chopins  The Awakening. Her intricate character symbolizes the very dichotomy that plagues each and every woman: the desire to be a faithfully devoted wife and mother, while at the same  time the urgency to confront the inward sensual struggles that constantly fight for freedom. Edna, who exemplifies this inherent conflict, recognizes her need to break free from the typical  societal molds cast upon women. By doing so, she establishes herself as her own person -- unafraid to depart from the norm and answer her forbidden desires - in  spite of the critical and damning eye that society casts upon her. Ednas strength comes from a very unexpected place: her fears.  She is so terrified that life is simply going to pass her by that the thought nearly paralyzes her emotions. She learns from years of fighting those bottled up  emotions that she must either relinquish the confines of marriage, motherhood and societys rule book that dictates how she is to live her life, or she will die having ultimately  sacrificed her own true happiness. With each step she takes toward this newfound freedom, whether it is through self-expression or a scandalous affair, Edna revels in the fact that