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How is Edna different from the other characters?
Edna Pontellier is a respectable woman of the late 1800s who not only acknowledges her sexual desires, but also has the strength and courage to act on them. Many of Kate Chopin’s other stories feature passionate, unconventional female protagonists, but none presents a heroine as openly rebellious as Edna.
What surprises Edna about the Creole culture?
Adèle caresses Edna’s hand and says, “pauvre cherie,” or “poor darling.” This is a very free and outward expression of affection, something that is customary in Creole culture, but it surprises Edna. Describe Edna’s sisters. Edna’s younger sister, Janet, was usually quarrelsome around her.
How does the fact that Edna is not a Creole?
How does the fact that Edna is not a Creole affect her relationship with others on Grand Isle? Edna is much more prudish compared to the Creole woman, when Adéle openly talks about her pregnancy, Edna is horrified.
Why is Edna unhappy with her marriage?
Chopin characterizes Edna’s marriage as a factor in her unhappiness, but also as a factor in her budding awakening. Edna’s marriage to Léonce Pontellier has the force to make her feel inextricably trapped, to complicate her social and solitary life, and to otherwise confuse the care, hope, and love out of her.
Why are Creole husbands never jealous?
A Creole husband is “never jealous” because the fidelity instilled in Creole women from birth ensures that a man’s possession of his wife will never be challenged. Robert’s affectionate interactions with the women of Grand Isle mimic those of the medieval practice of courtly love.
Why does Edna visit Mademoiselle?
During one of her spells of depression, Edna decides to pay Mademoiselle Reisz a visit in order to listen to her play the piano. Finding that the woman has moved, Edna visits Madame Lebrun in search of Mademoiselle Reisz’s new address. Robert’s brother Victor answers the door and sends the servant to fetch his mother.
How did Edna feel about her marriage?
Edna’s husband thinks nothing of this and rightly so for the most part at the beginning because there is nothing more than a friendship. However, Edna begins to fall in love with Robert and realizes that she does not love her husband. She also feels as though her children are nothing more than a burden on her.