Under the Louisiana code, a woman belonged to her husband. In a sense the woman was considered a material possession. Edna Pontellier was no different. Her life was symbolic to that of a caged bird. .
Elements of Realism, Naturalism, and Symbolism engulf the novel's content. From beginning to end, Kate Chopin implements the images and descriptions of birds to symbolize the independence and freedom sought after by Edna Pontellier. The mocking bird and the parrot symbolize the entrapment of women in society. Notice, the first and strongest ideology of symbolism was represented in the first sentences of the novel. However they were not spoken through the mouth of a human being. The novel begins by examining a green and yellow parrot that hung outside the Pontellier's house. "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!" yelled the bird. (Chopin, 467) When an individual translates these words for interpretation in English, they mean, "Go away! Go away! For heaven's sake!" Although Mrs. Pontellier tried to ignore the raging parrot, the bird's dialogue represents the thoughts that were constantly fulfilling her mind. Mrs. Pontellier was coming to the realization that her life was boring, routine, and like the Parrot she was trapped. Not trapped by the bars of cage, but by the traditions of society.
Mrs. Pontellier had become tired of her routine life, and tired of dealing with a husband she considered insensitive. Mr. Pontellier's resolve to every problem was a box of fruit and bon-bons. Although Mrs. Pontellier was very generous when she received these packages, she believed the action had become to repetitive. Every time that Mr. Pontellier was out of town she could count on receiving the all too familiar package within a couple days. Mrs. Pontelllier considered her marriage to Mr. Pontellier, "purely an accident."(Chopin 4812) Mrs. Pontellier had also grown tired of her children.
