CHAPTER 38

Summary

Dr. Mandelet walks Edna back to her home. Having heard about Leonce's intended trip to Europe, he asks whether she will be going also. Edna responds that she does not wish to go and indicates that she will no longer allow anyone to control her life or tell her what to do, except perhaps her children.

He realizes that Edna is having problems and might need someone to confide in. He offers his help in this respect if she needs him. She thanks the Doctor for his kindness and admits that she is sometimes depressed, but she is determined to pursue her own way of life. She appreciates that this action will affect others close to her, but she must be true to herself.

When she is alone, Edna can't help thinking about Ad'le's entreaty to consider her children. She had arranged to meet with Robert but he sends her a note "I love you. Goodbye - because I love you."

Interpretation

We see the last attempts of those close to Edna to bring her back into the fold.

Ad'le appeals to Edna's maternal instinct and her parting words remind Edna that she has a responsibility to her children, and she must consider that their reputation is very much tied up with her own.

We learned in the previous Chapters that L'once's solution to the problem is to take Edna abroad on holiday.

Dr. Mandelet, the family doctor and friend, learns that this too has failed in winning Edna back. All that the doctor can offer is counseling.

Edna finds herself alone, for Robert's note indicates that he cannot share a life with her. He is bound too tightly to the society to which he must be loyal. When Edna discovers the note she finally realizes that Robert is not the solution to her problems. He too would treat her as an item of property. He is programmed to do this.