Marriage and Vases

Ever since Robert left, Edna has taken to having mood swings. She was religiously in the program for the reception every Tuesday, but since Robert left she didn't want to be there. Mr. Pontellier asked Edna why she left early, and when he left to go eat dinner at the club Edna “carried in her hands a thin handkerchief, which she tore into ribbons, rolled into a ball, and flung from her. Once he stopped, and taking off her wedding, flung it upon the carpet. When she saw it lying there, she stamped her heel upon it, striving to crush it. But her small boot heel did not make an indenture, not a mark upon the little glittering circlet. In a sweeping passion she seized a glass vase from the table and flung it upon the tiles of the hearth. She wanted to destroy something. The crash and clatter were what she wanted to hear.” (page 71). She was upset and wanted to have nothing to do with their marriage. This is the first time we see her being physically upset about her relationship with Mr. Pontellier.