CHAPTER 19

Summary

L'once continues to criticize his wife and asks why she cannot be more like Ad'le. He is angry that Edna is no longer at home to receive callers, and that her sketching is taking over her life. Ad'le never allows her music to interfere with her household duties.

Edna contemplates her vacation at Grand Isle and the time spent with Robert.

L'once is conscious of his wife’s mood swings and wonders if she is mentally disturbed.

Interpretation

Towards the end of this Chapter we read, “She went and stood at an open window and looked out upon the deep tangle of the garden below.  All the mystery and witchery of the night seemed to have gathered there amid the perfumes and the dusky and tortuous outlines of flowers and foliage. She was seeking herself and finding herself in just such sweet, half-darkness which met her moods.”  This poetic sequence mirrors the thoughts going through Edna’s mind as she daydreams about the past.

We sense that she will cut the remaining bonds that hold her to L'once and her family.  Although physically she remains L'once’s property, mentally she has already escaped.   When she finally leaves, we wonder if this running away will satisfy her restless spirit.

L'once questions his wife’s sanity because he cannot relate to her behavior and doesn’t have the knowledge to ease her restlessness. He is a materialistic down-to-earth type and doesn’t recognize his wife’s true worth.  He demeans her by suggesting that she is only capable of keeping house and raising children, and that her artwork is just a frivolous hobby.  He fails to appreciate that Edna’s work is an extension of her personality.