xual desires rather than for reasons Darwin attributed to civilized women, who are largely influenced by the social position and wealth of the men (Bender 462). This shows a direct opposition to the common practice of women marrying for social status rather than for love. Edna, in fact, sacrifices her security, a valuable commodity in those days, in order to seek out her own sexual desires. This is another example of Edna refusing the role that society has created. Of course, men could have never imagined that a woman could ever have sexual desires as men do or even think of the idea of independence by themselves. Men literally thought that women were too ignorant and lacked the intelligence to become independent. But when the men realized that women could be independent and do not need a man to survive, the men felt threatened and tried to dismiss these radical ideas as being just a phase. This is illustrated in a conversation between Leonce and Doctor Mandelet, in which the doctor says: It would require an inspired psychologist to deal successfully with [her]. In addition, when ordinary fellows like you and me attempt to cope with their idiosyncrasies the result is bungling. Most women are moody and whimsical. This is some passing whim of your wife, due to some cause or causes which you and I needn't try to fathom. But it will pass happily over, especially if you let her alone (Chopin 659). The doctor is here dismissing her ideas because she is a woman. What the doctor and Leonce fail to realize is that she wants equal rights. She does not want to be limited by society any more. In the same conversation, Leonce states, "She's got some sort of notion in her head concerning the eternal rights of women" (Chopin 658). This shows that, deep down, Leonce knows what Edna wants, he's just too stubborn and confident to realize that it's even a possibility. He doesn’t understand that women have thoughts and desires too. Ev...
