The Romantics believe that society teaches conformity, and it dictates the way people see things. The heart of Romanticism is a vision, a journey that transforms a false self that is created by society back to the true self, the self that is native to humans at birth. Then, with this true self, the Romantic character is able to break loose from the society that has kept it bound it for so long. The Romantic Journey really consists

When the Pontelliers return home to New Orleans, the Romanticism of the story becomes much clearer. Chopin reveals each of the characters to be complex yet beautiful products of society, and offers understanding to how Edna really was confined and unhappy. First, we are re-introduced to Leonce Pontellier. He is very materialistic and loves to flaunt his wealth. Chopin first describes this at Grand Isle when he constantly buys treats for both his wife and children. It seems as if he thought he could buy their affections. Back at home, the extent to which his materialism exists is more obvious. He would walk around his house to admire all of his possessions, proud of himself for acquiring such a healthy collection. Chopin calls his belongings “household gods” signifying that he worshipped them as they were an embodiment of his success (685). He valued these material things more than he valued Edna. Mr. Pontellier also proves to be chauvinistic and controlling. He believes that a woman’s role is in the home to make sure the house is kept up and the children are looked after. He has a huge objection to Edna’s new freedom because she neglects all of her household responsibilities, especially her refusal to answer the callers. He is so brainwashed into believing the woman’s passive, inferior role in society that he attributes her new lifestyle to mental illness. He cannot conceive of a woman with a mind of her own who seeks pleasure in things outside the home. But the ultimate proof that Leonce is a social product is his reaction to Edna’s moving out. He is not concerned with the strength of his marriage, nor does he try to figure out what ails his wife. His main concern lies in what the other members of society will think. He even goes as far as unnecessarily remodeling the house so that it looks like Edna was only moving out temporarily. Suddenly there is a feeling of sympathy towards Edna as Chopin shows us the depth of her confining marriage. One would even encourage her to break out of it. When she throws her wedding ring to the floor and stomps on it (687), it is understandable and seems justified.

Left with dreams that could never be fulfilled, Edna runs back to the soothing nature that allowed her to set her mind free. The sea had coaxed her soul, calling to her true self. Again it was calling to her, inviting her to a shelter away from the world of false selves. It invited her to a place where she could forever live her true self. Before Edna plunged into the ocean, she noticed a bird with a broken wing struggling to fly. It could fight no more and it fell into the water. This bird represented Edna, which Mademoiselle Reisz had spoken of before. With her bruised wings she could no longer fight the evils of society. So she left the cruel would she knew, returning to the calming sea. She stripped away her clothes, the last link she had with the world, and let nature take her home. She had returned to her true self, but there was no place for it to flourish. The only other place for it would be the place where it originated—back with nature. In a way, it was the final destination of her Romantic Journey. She may have failed in breaking loose, but she succeeded in choosing her true self above all else.

Edna came close to completing her romantic journey. After she learned of Robert’s return to the city, her intention was to completely break loose. Her dinner party was symbolic of a farewell to her old life and her old self. It was her final performance for society. With the best food and trimmings she would play up to society for the last time. More symbolic is the fact that it took place on her birthday. She is being reborn into a new life, into a new house where she can explore her true self. Then, with Robert’s return it seems almost perfect as they realize their love for one another. She is free at last to follow a true love and fulfill the desires of her child h

Some topics in this essay:
Romantic Journey, Grand Isle, Edna Pontellier, Mademoiselle Reisz, Madame Ratignolle, Adele Ratignolle, Romanticism Robert, Adele Robert, Madame Antoine, Romanticism Romantics, true self, romantic journey, grand isle, mademoiselle reisz, false self, child heart, evils society, madame ratignolle, self edna, breaking loose, world false selves, edna’s romantic journey, true self edna,