Changing Tides

After Edna's sudden behavioral change, Mr. Pontellier was shocked to see how his wife was drifting away from her role in society. Instead of keeping up her act Edna decided to rebel against what was always expected of her. Mr. Pontellier who worried very much about what people thought of him tried to repress Edna. However, Mr.Pontellier's actions caused his wife's reactions to be stronger. For example, when Mr. Pontellier orders Edna to enter to the house and she refuses at the beginning of the book. This reaction makes Mr.Pontellier mad and he tries to control her even more. The entire situation strains their relationship. Edna has evolved into a new personality and Mr.Pontelier is stuck in what she used to be. While she tries to live freely, Mr. Pontellier pulls her back every time by constantly controlling her. Edna pushes Pontellier out of her life, staying only with the people that don't judge her (Robert) or with the people that are unaware of her actions like her children. Edna realizes she has nothing to do in her life, if she wanted to spend time with her children, all she could do is watch them play because the quadroon is always taking care of them. If Edna wanted to change something in the house she would have to wait for Pontellier's approval. Therefor, Edna wants to change and do something with her life.