One of the main recurring themes throughout the novel was femininity. In chapter 22, this theme was evident in Edna’s conversation with Mr. Pontellier and the Doctor, “ "Has she," asked the Doctor, with a smile, "has she been associating of late with a circle of pseudo-intellectual women—super spiritual superior beings? My wife has been telling me about them. "That's the trouble," broke in Mr. Pontellier, "she hasn't been associating with any one. She has abandoned her Tuesdays at home, has thrown over all her acquaintances, and goes tramping about by herself, moping in the street-cars, getting in after dark. I tell you she's peculiar. I don't like it; I feel a little worried over it" ” (Chopin 88). The quote was referring directly to the feminist movement, which was just beginning to surface in the late 1800’s. During this period, women searched for equality among men. The quote also suggested that the Doctor sees some women as ‘greater in intellect than the average person’ and that the women are ‘superior’ in certain aspects. Also, in chapter 36, Edna is conversing with Robert, and the subject of her marriage came up, “ "You have been a very, very foolish boy, wasting your time dreaming of impossible things when you speak of Mr. Pontellier setting me free! I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose. If he were to say, 'Here, Robert, take her and be happy; she is yours,' I should laugh at you both." His face grew a little white. "What do you mean?" he asked” (Chopin 146). Enda was trying to convey the feminist message, mostly in saying that she isn’t owned by anybody, and that she isn’t a possession. She was trying to say that she contained the ability to give herself to someone if she wished to, and it’s obvious that Robert didn’t understand this.