CHAPTER 32

Summary

Edna receives a letter from L'once concerning her move.  He is afraid that people may think that Edna has been forced to move because of business problems. He makes it known by advertising in the local paper that the Pontellier Mansion is to be substantially modernized and that while this is being done, Edna and he will vacation abroad.

Edna feels that her own identity is coming to the fore in her new surroundings and she is becoming more confident. 

She visits her children at their grandmother’s home in Iberville and enjoys her visit.

Interpretation

Again we see that L'once is more concerned with appearances than the needs of his wife. He is concerned only about his reputation.

Although Edna has abdicated her responsibilities to her marriage, she still has a strong maternal instinct and visits her children at L'once’s mother’s home.

We note that Edna is unhappy about being separated from her children and as yet, has not considered the implications of her actions upon the lives of her children in the future.  She is still focusing the majority of her thoughts onto Robert and longs for his return.