The reader is left to interpret Edna's departure after Madame Lebrun's continued invitations to stay as a necessary escape from being dragged back into the patriarchal shadow of society. ... Edna's exploration of her sexual desires begins with Arobin, and ends with Robert. ... She explored these new desires without much thought of what social bearing her actions may have, essentially using Arobin as a surrogate to quell her desire for Robert in his absence. Upon Robert's brief return Edna is despondent to learn that Robert is unwilling to cast aside societal traditions....

• Word Count: 1499
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate