Not a Mother-Woman

Edna Pontellier is a married woman, and like any married woman she is expected to raise her children and care for her home because that is what women are supposed to do.  But Edna has a different opinion and a different method, she was not a “mother-woman… they were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, , and esteemed a privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels” (pg115- kindle edition). This type of woman was a perfect, well-raised and exemplary society member. They devoted their entire lives to caring for their children and husbands, putting themselves second and idolizing men. Edna was different, her children were raised to be independent,” If one of the Pontellier boys took a tumble whilst a play, he was not apt to rush crying into his mothers arms for comfort; he would more likely pick himself up, wipe the water from his eyes and the sand out of his mouth, and go on playing”. (Pg. 104 kindle version) Mrs. Pontellier was different, she even raised her children differently, and she wouldn’t feel bad about it even though she was looked down by those other women who classified themselves as mother-women.