... , "you are burnt beyond recognition" (Chopin 634). A sunburned body, which lacks fairness of complexion, indicates the performance of outdoor labor, and invalidates Edna's "value" as a sign of Leonce's wealth (Stange 24). To Leonce, his wife is a sign of noticeable expenditure that brings a degree of status to him. Such status-bearing prosperity must be excess wealth representing the owner's luxurious freedom from ... need. Edna, therefore being surplus, must appear to perform no constructive labor (Stange 24). Leonce also looks "at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal p...

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• Grade Level: Undergraduate