CHAPTER 33

Summary

Ad'le calls on Edna and scolds her for having neglected her in recent weeks. She is concerned about her friend’s well-being and the consequences that may arise through her actions to leave the family home.

There has already been gossip concerning visits she has received from Arobin and even the mention of his name could ruin her reputation for life.

Edna decides to visit Mlle. Reisz, but she is not home.  However, Robert calls newly returned from Mexico.  Edna asks why he has not written to her since he left Grand Isle and he provides a weak excuse that he did not think she would be interested in letters from him. Robert accompaniesEdna back home and she invites him for dinner.  She thinks at last that her dreams will be fulfilled, but Robert declines the dinner invitation, causing Edna much pain.  On seeing this he changes his mind and consents to stay.

Robert notices that Edna has a photograph of Arobin, and she tries to allay Robert’s suspicions by saying that she is using the photograph in order to make a sketch of Arobin. 

Edna changes the topic of conversation and asks Robert about his trip to Mexico.  He tells her that what has kept him going during these hard months was the thought of their time together on their day trip from Grand Isle.

Interpretation

There is still some stiffness shown by Robert and he doesn’t feel comfortable in Edna’s company.  Although he clearly loves Edna, he is much more reserved and hides his feelings from her. Her infatuation for Robert is plain to see.  It is curious that he still calls her Mrs. Pontellier and still refers to L'once’s mansion as Edna’s home. Edna is trying so hard to sever her connections with the past, but Robert continually reminds her that she is still married and the property of L'once.