Edna has set herself up for a failed marriage with Monsieur Pontellier and has allowed her dreams of romance to vanish, "closing the portals forever behind her upon the realm of romance and dreams- (18). While not a particularly domineering man, Leonce does regard Edna as his possession when he comments about Edna's sun burn. Mr. Pontellier states, "You are burnt beyond recognition- looking at his wife as if she an investment or a valuable piece of property which has suffered some damage- (2). He reproaches her over what he felt was her habitual neglect of the children, but Chopin subtly establishes that Edna does not neglect her children, but only her mother-woman image. She very much loves her children, but she detests the image portrayed by the women at Grand Isle. Edna watched the devoted Creole mothers flock about their precious children and Edna recognized their disapproval of her laissez faire attitude toward her children. Edna declares to Madame Ratignolle she " would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself" (25). As for her children, "they need not have thought that they could possess her, body and soul" (152). Although Edna loves her children dearly, and in spells needs them with fervor, she was more accustomed to leaving them with the nanny or a friend rather than looking after them herself she feels that it is a "responsibility which she blindly assumed and for which fate had not suited her- (19). Unfortunately, Edna is unable to sufficiently explain her feelings to Madame Ratignolle or any of the other mother-woman.
Adele Ratignolle is described as "the embodiment of every womanly grace and charm- (Chopin 8). She is perfectly content and happy conforming to society's view of the perfect wife, who lives for her husband and children and strongly encourages Edna to be womanly by traditional standards which requires self-sacrifice.
