Key Quotations Flashcards
“She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swum before.” (10. 7)
This quote explores Edna’s breaking point where she finally wants to defy social norms and go against what typically Women weren’t meant to do. A break through feminist realisation
“I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier’s possessions to dispose of or not.” (36.42 - 43)
Edna declares that she is not a possession (which actually contradicts Louisiana law at this time). Edna asserts that she alone has the power to give herself (her love, her time, her company, etc.) to someone.
“In short, Mrs. Pontellier was not a mother-woman.” (4.3)
Edna does not fit into her society because she refuses to occupy the role of the “mother-woman” who puts her family above herself as an individual.
“Woman, my dear friend, is a very peculiar and delicate organism—a sensitive and highly organized woman, such as I know Mrs. Pontellier to be, is especially peculiar. It would require an inspired psychologist to deal successfully with them.” (22.20)
Women, as a group, are viewed as impossible to understand, too emotional, and too different from men.
“Coming back to dinner?” his wife called after him. He halted a moment and shrugged his shoulders. He felt in his vest pocket; there was a ten-dollar bill there. He did not know; perhaps he would return for the early dinner and perhaps he would not. It all depended upon the company which he found over at Klein’s and the size of “the game.” He did not say this, but she understood it, and laughed, nodding good-by to him.” (1.17)
Mr. Pontellier is under no obligation to answer to his wife. He does as he pleases.
