The Pontellier marriage is one in need of discussion. Though most people highlight Mrs. Pontellier's unhappiness in the marriage, There is not much scrutiny upon Mr. Pontellier's stance in the marriage and the role he plays. It's already been evident Mrs. Pontellier's feelings on her children. She loves them, but only to a degree, as noted by her negligence when regarding her two little boys. Mr. Pontellier however, appears to dote on his children. "...he loved them very much, and went... to take a look at them and make sure that they were resting comfortably." (Chopin 7). Leonce Pontellier is a well liked man and is very popular among his peers. "Mr. Pontellier was a great favorite, and ladies, men, children, even nurses, were always on hand to say good-by to him." (Chopin 9). Very early in the book, Edna Pontellier recognizes that her husband, albeit not in love with her, cares for her and is kind in the marriage. Leonce also seems to want Edna to put more effort into the marriage, despite not contributing any himself, other than his disappointment in Edna.
Edna is a big believer in fate. "She did not sit there inwardly upbraiding her husband, lamenting at Fate, which had directed her footsteps to the path which they had taken." (Chopin 8). One could interpret this as Edna wanting to relieve herself of blame, or regret. Perhaps she believes that it was only "Fate"'s doing that brought her into this loveless, routine marriage, not herself. One could also interpret that Leonce treats the marriage as if it is something he is doing out of duty, not out of his own volition. He is kind and fair, as fair as he possibly can be in this era, but he looks at Edna, not as his wife, the person he should love, but as his property, something to be taken care of only so that it may reflect well on him. For Edna, the marriage is a room confined with responsibilities that she arguably has no desire to do. For Leonce, however, the marriage is something resembling a chore: needing work to get to the end result.
Yes !! This is too true!! Poor Mr. P (Ewan McGregor)!! All his work is so unrecognized, the poor dude!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous of that picture you found that completely sums everything you said up and is hilarious. I hadn't thought of both Edna and Leonce being unhappy, but you make excellent points. I see now how they could both be unhappy as opposed to just Edna.
ReplyDeleteI mean I feel like apart of me disagrees with you. You certainly bring up a good point though. I hadn't really seen Leonce as a bad guy, but reading over your post it kinda makes me see that Leonce really doesn't put any effort to try and make Edna happy.
ReplyDeletei disagree with you Chritina Friend, I see Leonce as a good guy. He does so much for the family - providing shelter, food, protection to the family, while Edna does nothing but flirt with Robert. She does not do her job - taking care of the children. So in my eyes, I feel Leonce is a good man who tries his best for his family.
DeleteBrittany, I disagree with you. Where in the book does Leonce give "so much for his family". Yeah he's good with the kids, but he treats Edna like property and is only consumed in his business and not his wife.
Deleteoh snap Brit immma let you finish but Christina has a point, when Mr. Pontillier comes home late at night he had promised the kids bonbons and peanuts (These poor children all they wanted was peanuts and whatever bonbons are) and he doesn't even remember to get them.
Delete(upon extensive research it seems bonbons pertain to several types of sweets, usually coated with chocolate. All these poor kids wanted was chocolate and peanuts, Brit.)
To Alexa: Yes, the kids wanted peanuts and bonbons. But Leonce was too frustrated with Edna to remember them. Also, remember, kids don't always get what they want and that's a good life lesson to be learned. Was I a little upset that Leonce forgot the goodies? Of course! But if you put yourself in Lonce's shoes, you'd understand that he was stressed out and simply forgot.
DeleteTo Christina: Leonce gives so much for his family, he works to provide a house, shelter, food, water, and safety for them, he checks on the kids even though Edna should help, he interacts with them. He is a good father. He does what he's supposed to. He gets frustrated with Edna because she simply does not care - she refuses to accept that this is her life and that she's an adult and has responsibilities.
DeleteAbout the peanuts bonbons, he should have gotten them. Sure they don't always get what hey want, but it's obviously that they're not getting a lot anyway, seeing as how Edna kinda does nothing. Just let them have candy. Idk. To me it seems like the children are the ones suffering due to lack of communication between the parents
DeleteSo in short, JUST GIVE THEM THE PEANUTS AND BON BONS
DeleteSpoiling your children isn't that bad. As long as it's limited. Edna gives them nothing. Leone gives them little, so give them a little something extra. These children just want to be happy, and it seems like Robert is doing that more than them cuz he plays with them and stuff. Candy isn't all that bad. Just think of the children
DeleteThis is wonderful.
DeleteI absolutely agree with this. It seems like Mr. Pontellier used to be much more loving and passionate, which led to them getting married. I guess after marriage, peoples' true colors show.
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