od mother, but now she sees her boys as an opposition. Therefore, she refuses to live for them, but rather for herself (Seyersted 151). While at the Grand Isle Edna tells one of her good friends, Madame Ratignolle,that she would give my life for my children; but I would not give myself(Chopin 529). Edna believes that she can direct her own life, but she alsoacknowledges her responsibility toward her children. She knows how thepatriarchal society condemns a freedom-seeking women who neglects herchildren (Seyersted 62). The reader also comes to know Adele Ratignolle well. As a friend of Ednas, she represents the exact opposite. Chopin portraysAdele as being totally devoted mother to her family and happy of her domesticlifestyle. She has a baby every two years. Although Adele shows herunselfishness in her care for the children, she also uses her children in orderto draw attention to herself (Seyersted 152). Until Edna goes to one of Adeleschildbirths she still believes that she has the ability to direct her own life. Adele reminds Edna of the mothers duties toward her children (Chopin 578). This event allows Edna it realize her view of her possibilities for a Harmon 4self-directed life (Seyersted 151). Therefore, she finds her power to dictateher own life to be nothing but an illusion (Seyersted 62).The next way Chopin is able to portray Ednas sense of freedom isthrough her relationships with Alcee Arobin and Robert Lebrun. Edna likesAlcees company because he is charming, attentive, amusing, and a person ofthe world. He is a sexual partner who does not ask for, receive, or give love. When Edna kisses Alcee she is awakened to the idea that sex and love can beseparated. Although she loves Robert truly, she separates her feelings forRobert in order to control her desire (Bogarad 160). Edna first meets RobertLebrun during her summer stay at the Grand Isle. At the summers end Ednagoes home and Robert goes to Mexico for busines...
