and to become independent. The fact that the vision of Logan Killicks was desecrating the pear tree implies that Janie knew her marriage to Logan would prevent her from fulfilling her dreams (Wall 385). These colorful descriptions of the bird and bees fertilizing the blossoms of a pear tree awaken both womens consciousness of their dreams and desires (Wall 384). In a further attempt to attain freedom, Edna and Janie involve themselves in new relationships. They have chosen life over despair. Hoping to start the process of redefining themselves, Edna begins an affair with Alcee Arobin and Janie marries Joe Starks. With these relationships, they both seek a new outlook on life and come closer to becoming independent. Edna escapes with Arobin, by conducting a meaningless, loveless affair meant only for excitement. Seeking to be autonomous, she is drawn into Arobin as the effrontery in his eyes repelled the old, vanishing self in her, yet drew all her awakening sensuousness (Chopin 127). Here, it is evident that the affair is based on passion, not love. Edna knows Arobin was absolutely nothing to her except an adventure and possibly a beginning to her freedom (Chopin 129). With Arobin, she can project a new vision of herself. He allows her the autocracy to get out of the house and have her own social life, a simple pleasure denied by Leonce. He encourages her actions at the race track where she is often flamboyant, reckless, and excessive [. . .] from the time the horses take the field, it is implied that Edna behaves more like a man than a woman (Dyer 50). The crowd is attentive to her as though she were a male authority. Leonce would have been embarrassed to witness such a scene, but Arobin looks on in admiration. Edna at last has the freedom of making her own money. Although there is no need for her to work, Edna demonstrates a desire to support herself. By acquiring money, she attains more power over her life (qtd. in ...
