, Mr. Pontellier expects Edna to resume her role as the dutiful wife of a businessman. One of Edna's obligations as his wife is to receive their friends and the wives of his colleagues on social calls. Traditionally, this has always taken place on Tuesday afternoons. At dinner one Tuesday, a few weeks after their return from Grand Isle, Mr. Pontellier inquires about whom Edna had received that day only to have her explain that she had been out. He reprimands her for her thoughtlessness, as she had not even bothered to leave an excuse for her absence. "Why, my dear, I should think you'd understand by this time that people don't do such things: we've got to observe les convenances if we ever expect to get on and keep up with the procession." (85) It is not made apparent whether or not Edna comprehends the weight of her actions, but the act itself was one of rebellion. Mr. Pontellier recognizes this and is bothered by it. Before the vacation to Grand Isle his wishes and the lifestyle he had chosen for them had never been questioned, and certainly not defied. Mrs. Pontellier acted according to his desires in the same unthinking manner in which she later resists them. After this confrontation, Edna is bothered. Alone after his departure, she paces the cage she feels to be in. "Once she stopped, and taking off her wedding ring, flung it upon the carpet. When she saw it lying there, she stamped her heel upon it, striving to crush it." (87) The wedding ring is a physical representation of her bind to Leonce. Her desire to destroy the ring indicates her displeasure in their relationship and in her situation. What makes this incident different from learning to swim is that she is now conscious of what she is railing against. Edna no longer feels content with the power that Leonce holds over her and any attempt to distance herself from him ends in misery. Later in the novel Edna is left alone in New Orleans as Mr. Pontellier leaves for a business...
