Results of Group Work on Kate Chopin's

Patterns and Potential Thematic Elements

Water. Ocean. Sea. Bathing. Swimming. Path to beach. Beach (ALL). Her independence? Taking a bath = cleansing the soul?

Smoking (8). Mr. Pontellier and Robert. Cigarettes and cigars symbolize maturity?

Robert with the children (7). Children (7).

Bugs and mosquitos (7).

Lady in black (6). Symbolic? Always mentioned with the lovers (8). They have no names.

Music (7). Sewing (6). Sketching and painting (5). Art and artists? Women's pastimes?

Isolation. Solitude (1). She's not from that area. She's not Creole (6).

European structure / style of family / marriage (6). Husband doesn't think she should have to do anything. He doesn't think she acts like a proper woman / wife / mom. She's more modern. He is more set in the old ways. The marriage relationship is changing. She is becoming less submissive, more independent. Women have a defined role. Difference between outer existence and inner existence. She is his piece of property. She admits he is the best husband ever. Husbands always at work (4).

Robert always attaches himself to a widow or married woman (5). Robert and Edna's relationship.How is he part of the Creoles but can't afford cigars? He can only afford cigarettes. Hangs out with the rich but he is not rich. He's what she is missing out on. Freedom and adventure.

Bonbons and gifts (4). Sweets symbolize (bitter) sweet affair? Words like seductive, sensuous, etc.

Reading newspapers and books (3).

Birds (3). Annoyance? Edna "flies" to the window. Birds in flight symbolize migration, like the family goes to the island in the summer, leaving New Orleans behind. Edna wants to be free.

Religion (3). Catholic values oppose her awakening. Protestants mentioned. Running from prayers. Church service on the smaller island that Robert and Edna go to.

Dreams (3). The conflict of romance vs. reality.

Ships and boats (3).

Shadows (3).

Gambling (3).

French words (3).

Awakening (2). She has everything in the area of material things and into the future with a husband who loves her. She is still searching. Woman seeking her independence. Sexual desires of women. Conforming or rebelling?

Adele Ratignolle tells Robert to stay away. She sees something. She's always in white and her skin is fair. Edna is separate from her children; they are always with the nurse. Edna not made to be a mother. Almost impartial to her kids. Adele grabbing Edna's hand = lesbian or motherly care (or female non-sexual love)? Society's expectation of the mother-woman (2). Adele (2). Put the children first. Edna considers herself an individual first.

Broken marriages (2).

Edna's past in Kentucky and/or Mississippi (2).

Ettiquette (2). Scott: see pages 122-130.

Umbrellas (2).

Moon (2).

Complexions (2).

Women's appearances (2).

Dress and attire (2).

African American servants (2). Class and race issues -- e.g. the quadroon nurse, the little black girl, mulattos, etc.

References to literary naturalism. Fate (2).

Edna undressing (1).

Ghosts and phantom ships (1).

Moments of touching (1). Scott: HANDS!

Temperature (1).

New Orleans (1).

Baby references. Childish acting and having the mind set of a child (1). Growing as individuals.

Drowsiness and being tired (1).

Edna vs. Mrs. Pontellier -- more casual vs. more formal. Referred to as Edna around her friends, but Mrs. Pontellier around her husband = feels not like herself around him.

Always goes to bed late. Most conflicts happen more late at night.

Mademoiselle Reisz.

Alcee Arobin.

Victor Lebrun.

The Farival Twins.

Eyes.

Crying.

Adele's pregnacy.

The song.

"Sensualness."

Desire.

References to "body."

The "Dual Life."

Others?

Questions?