CHAPTER 36
Summary
Eventually,
Edna and Robert meet in a garden caf' on the outskirts of New Orleans.
Again Robert appears to be uncomfortable in her company, but he
decides to stay. Edna displays her annoyance with Robert over his
neglect, accusing him of being inconsiderate of her feelings. He
becomes angry and tells her that there is no point to their relationship
as she cannot never be his.
The
pair then leaves the caf' garden and return to Edna's pigeon house,
and Edna makes a bold move by kissing Robert. Robert, unable to
hold himself back any longer, returns her kiss passionately. He
admits to Edna that he had traveled to Mexico in order to escape
his feelings for her, but he was not successful.
He
tells her that he dreamt that they could be married but knows that
his dream can never materialize. She tells him that she no longer
belongs to L'once and they could certainly be together. This comment
shocks Robert. The pair part with Edna assuring Robert that she
loves only him.
Interpretation
There
has been a considerable change in Edna while Robert was in Mexico.
She makes it clear to him that she is now self-sufficient and no
longer a possession of L'once.
Chopin describes an old, old situation where a holiday romance can
somehow not have quite the same sparkle when you get back home.
Robert has not seen Edna in the New Orleans environment, but only
on holiday at Grand Isle. Whereas on Grand Isle he was encouraged
by the flirtatious behavior of the Creole women, he is now back
in the more formal New Orleans Victorian society.
Again Edna is disappointed that Robert cannot fully appreciate her
new self-imposed standing. She had thought he would have gladly
accepted her new status, but he responds with a shocked reaction.
Showing much boldness, Edna attempts to break the ice and kisses
Robert, and he finally lets his guard slip, and responds. However,
the shine on their relationship is beginning to diminish because
Robert hints that he still considers Edna to be Leonce's property.
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