rules and live freely, however, [s]he cannot claim her autonomy, because she is not yet capable of imagining herself except in relationship to a man (Wall 387). Edna does not need death to free her from the role of a wife of a prosperous man and uses her own initiative to finally sever her relationship with Leonce. He is described as a rather couteous husband so long as he met a certain tacit submissiveness in his wife. But her new and unexpected line of conduct completely bewildered him. It shocked him. Then, her absolute disregard for her duties as a wife angered him. When Mr. Pontellier became rude, Edna grew insolent. She had resolved never to take another step backward. (Chopin 95) Hence, she is now determined to achieve complete emancipation. During these times, women rarely emerged from behind the mother-woman mask (Chopin 16). Men directed, and women remained submissive. Now, Edna and Janie are no longer one of [their husbands] possessions to dispose of or not (Chopin 178). They evolve as individuals and are prepared to continue their quest for self-determination.The symbolism of the bird and the pear tree continues to evolve to reflect the metamorphoses of Edna and Janie. The bird, once warning Edna to leave, now greets her in song. Edna has inhaled the breath of freedom as she experiences her first steps outside of the cage. Filled with confidence, she can embark on a journey of flight. Like a young bird, she must find assistance to direct her in the right path and allow her to spread her wings. The tree, once barren, is preparing to bloom in the spring. Janie now finds herself in the springtime of life and needs only to be watered by someone to flourish and flower. Janie has strong roots and a solid foundation that propel her on her course to freedom. With the help of two new relationships, Edna and Janie progress towards liberation. Although experiencing true equality is not possible, through Edna ...
