In this generation, Edna was a normal woman. However in the 1800s, women were perceived to be brought up in such a way where the woman’s feelings did not matter. The women were supposed to take care of the children, support her husband, etc. Arranged marriages are expected of creole tradition. However, when Edna buys her small house, she feels free, and independent. When Robert rejects her love, on page 152, with a note that says “I love you. Good-by- because I love you.” (Chopin, 152) Edna snaps into reality, and sees that she is not free, but trapped and chained to society’s ideas and rules. Edna realizes that she will never win this game. I don’t believe Edna commits suicide as a way of giving up but rather in a way of uprising. She was sick of society’s expectations and wanted to leave her life and be set free, like the ocean.
I agree with you on how Edna death wasn't an accident. It was a way to free herself because in order to feel in place she had to find a way out of society norms.
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