WHO SAID THIS?
“I can’t permit you to stay out there all night. You must come in the house instantly.”
Who is Victor Lebrun
Why does Robert suddenly leave for Mexico?
He leaves to avoid acting on his feelings for Edna and breaking social rules.
What kind of personality does Victor have compared to his brother Robert?
Victor is more flirtatious, carefree, and immature.
How is Arobin different from Robert in his relationship with Edna?
Arobin is driven by physical desire, not emotional love.
How does Léonce usually respond when Edna ignores her “wifely duties”?
He becomes irritated or confused because he believes a “good wife” should center her life on her husband and children.
"I love you. Good-by—because I love you."
Who is Robert Lebrun?
Robert says he loves Edna but can’t be with her. What social rule is holding him back?
Marriage laws and moral expectations hold Robert back from starting a relationship with a married woman.
At Edna’s farewell dinner, Victor sings loudly and causes a scene. What does this reveal about his attitude toward women?
He treats women as an audience for his charm as performative, not respectful.
Arobin flirts and pursues Edna without concern for consequences. What double standard does this show?
Men could act freely in romance, while women risked reputation and ruin.
Léonce often worries more about what others will think of Edna than about her feelings. What does this show about his priorities and his role in society?
This shows how he values social perception and status over emotional connection, reflecting men’s public power and control over women’s image in the 19th century.
"Youth is given up to illusions; it seems to be a decoy to secure mothers for the race."
Who is Dr Mandelet?
Do you think Robert genuinely loves Edna, or does he love the idea of her? Explain.
Robert’s idea of love is romanticized. He’s attracted to Edna, but when there is a real opportunity to start a relationship, he backs off because of outward pressure. He loves the idea of her freedom more than he loves Edna herself.
Victor’s behavior is often dismissed as “harmless flirtation.” What does this say about how society excused men’s behavior toward women?
Men like Victor can be bold, rude, or suggestive and it’s brushed off as charm. If a woman acted the same way, she’d be judged and shamed. The label “harmless” protects him and polices women.
What effect does Alcée Arobin have on Edna’s independence?
He delays it by distracting her from her goal of emotional and creative freedom with physical desire. Instead of helping her grow on her own terms, he pulls her back into dependence and short-lived excitement.
What does Léonce Pontellier’s treatment of Edna reveal about his view of marriage?
He sees marriage as a social contract and Edna as part of his status, valuing appearance and reputation over love or understanding.