"In short, Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman. The mother-women seemed to
prevail that summer at the Grand Isle. It was easy to know them, fluttering about with
extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood. They were women who idolized their children, worshipped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow as ministering angels."(p.10)
Edna Pontellier, an outcast among her society, led a life of estrangement. The
women of her time were the prototypical wives and mothers, who were treated more so as property than as people. Their lives were routine, lacking excitement and diversity. All were alike. Edna, however, was a woman of distinction. Within her, burned the fire of life. It is through Edna Pontellier's passion for living, that the reader learns the morals and ethics of the society of her time.
Mrs. Edna Pontellier, a women in her mid-twenties, married and led a life
identical to the elite women by whom she was surrounded. Her husband, Mr. Leonce
Pontellier, was the model man and husband of the Creole society. His love for Edna was as passionate and true as his love for a toy, which is how he viewed her.
"You are burnt beyond recognition," he added, looking at his
wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which
has suffered some damage."(p.3)
Mr. Pontellier was a wealthy businessman who concentrated his time on his
success. His wife, to him, was a source of entertainment. When he wished to have a
conversation, he summoned her. Similarly, as soon as he became bored, he dismissed her. Just as all women, Edna was at the beck and call of her husband. However, the time came when Edna broke free of her chains and truly became an independent woman. From the moment she was "awakened", her entire life changed instantaneously. No longer did she feel that she was b
...