In this quote, we see Mr. Pontellier's attitude towards his wife, as well as another perspective of her negative view of marriages and relationships now since she has lived for so long in the Creole society. By openly telling other people Mrs. Pontellier's actions against wedlock, Mr. Pontellier is opening up to the town that his wife is falling out of traditional expectations. Also, this shows Edna's personality because she has become so against the idea of marriage that she won't even go to or support a marriage of her "own people".
"'You are too lenient, too lenient by far, Leonce,' asserted the Colonel. 'Authority, coercion are what is needed. Put your foot down good and hard; the only way to manage a wife. Take my ford for it.' The Colonel was perhaps unaware that he had coerced his own wife into her grave" (Chopin 96).
In this quote, we see a slight flashback to the way in which Edna was raised. Throughout her whole childhood, she saw her mother treated in the "traditional" way, harshly, unfairly, and without any freedoms. And the idea that this treatment eventually led to her death, must create very strong opinions in her head about this extremely unfair of wives by their husbands. Also, the beginning part of this quote could be foreshadowing for harsh treatment put upon Edna by Mr. Pontellier because he was influenced by her father to treat her more strictly.
“It was his being, his existence, which dominated her though, fading sometimes as if it would melt into the mist of the forgotten, reviving again with an intensity which filled her with an incomprehensible longing”(Chopin73).
In this quote we see how greatly Robert's departure is effecting Edna in her day to day life. This concept of Robert leaving is a reoccurring theme that has been seen since when he first left. This demonstrates how badly Edna wants to break away from the social norms because she desires what she is expected not to do, and longs to be with Robert.
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