Fear of Being Alone

Most people find it strange to be alone, they feel the need of being with someone else at all times, however, Kate Chopin shows us a different perspective though Edna's character. Through the beginning of the book, I didn't realize how the word alone, or its synonyms were being used so much, however after the phrase, "inviting the soul to wander for a spell in abysses of solitude; to lose itself in the mazes of inward contemplation" these words started to appear often.

The meaning of these phrase demonstrates how she stops being afraid of solitude, instead she takes it as an opportunity for personal time, while she is alone, she gets to know herself even more. Since that point on, Edna tries to search for moments where she is alone, where she can connect to her inner self. For example, the first time Edna realizes she can swim. Surprised and after being congratulated by every one she looks towards the sea. She has no limits, she is in the water and observes the horizon. She swims and tries to reach "the unlimited in which to lose herself". (pg.60). Soon after she has enjoyed the view, she turns back and looks at the people she left behind, she looks at the distance between her and the shore, and understands that for a professional swimmer it wouldn't be much, but for her, she has overcome an obstacle. While on the sea, Edna has a vision of death, she tells her husband about it, "I thought i should have perished out there alone", once again talking about loneliness.

Some times, Edna enjoys solitude more than others, with each moment, she acquires new feelings, new sensations. She has become a different person. While visiting Madame Antoine, Edna is taken to a room so she can rest. While being by herself, she can do whatever she wants, she has to follow no social constraints. As every one left the room, she washes herself and takes some of her clothes of, she soon realizes it feels nice to rest in a strange bed. Edna embraces every alone moment she has, instead of being scared and overwhelmed, she takes every second and makes it hers. No one can steal anything she has gained during her personal time. This time becomes important to her well being, since it helps her know more about herself, it teaches her limits.