One of the many reasons for the failure of the Pontellier marriage is that they basically have nothing in common. For example, Mr. Pontellier doesn’t like soirées musicales and he considers them bourgeois. When it is suggested to Edna that he should stay home more, she replies, “We would have nothing to say to each other” (Chopin 122). He also has no interest in horse-racing, unlike Edna and her father. However, it is this same activity that leads her to meet Alcée Arobin, a new friend.
Another reason why their marriage fails is because Edna does not love Mr. Pontellier at all. Robert is the man she loves and she admits to this while speaking to Mademoiselle Reisz. Regardless of this, she still has some sort of interest in Arobin and when he kisses her hand, she feels dirty. However, she doesn’t even think of her husband. In this moment, she only thinks about Robert and how he would react upon finding out. “She was thinking of Robert Lebrun. Her husband seemed to her now like a person whom she had married without love as an excuse” (Chopin 132). Better yet, after Edna and Arobin finally kiss, the only reason she feels regret is because “it was not the kiss of love” (Chopin 139) that she wanted from Robert. At this point, her husband means almost nothing to her.
Their marriage is a complete failure as you stated. I believe this may have been due to how marriage took place in earlier times. Quite possibly, there was no love to begin with, but the marriage was arranged.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's quite apparent that Edna doesn't have the slightest feelings towards Robert. This may be because their marriage was planned. It's very plausible do to the time period. Also, I don't believe Edna knows how to love. This corresponds with the quotations you used.
ReplyDeleteI agree, after the honeymoon period, and Mr Pontellier's love fades, Edna has no real choice but to stay. Throughout the novel, it's mentioned that one cannot complain with a husband as generous as Mr Pontellier. I think Edna should've felt able to speak out against him, regardless of this.
ReplyDelete