Edna’s suicide was perpetuated by her inability to feel complete. She thought that her disconnection from that which she believed was unhealthy and unlike herself would help her achieve emancipation. However, she needed something to replace that in her life. She still desired the attention of a man.
When she first began her adventures with Robert, on trips out to the lake for example, it was clear that feelings were being developed. This was a catalyst for her change in feelings towards Léonce. The affection and attention she got from Robert was incomparable to that of Mr. Pontellier’s and that helped open her mind to different things in life. This short romance was seen cut short because of Robert’s departure to Mexico, in an attempt to run away from Edna because she was married. At this stage we see Edna’s intrigue when she finds out Robert writes to Mademoiselle Reisz, as you think to herself “wrote to you?” (p. 99) as she repeated in amazement and then requesting “let me see the letter” (p.99). This shows her eagerness to see the content of the letter, even before knowing she would be mentioned in these, revealing her love for him, whether it be consciously or unconsciously. This infatuation continues to grow as time goes on.
Robert’s surprise arrival back to New Orleans sent Edna on a rollercoaster of emotions due to the unexpected way in which he treated her. “ “When did you come back?” asked Edna in an unsteady voice, wiping her face with her handkerchief” (p. 155). Edna’s attempt to suppress her feelings for Robert during the time he was away, influenced her reaction to his arrival. This shock of events put on hold Edna’s plan to detach herself from men and reignited what she wanted to believe were faded feelings. This was coupled with Robert’s unjustified departure back to Mexico. “Oh! you have made me so unhappy with your indifference. Oh! I have suffered, suffered” (p. 172). The use of onomatopoeias makes it clear how Edna is feeling at this moment. She is in despair. The outcome of this incredibly anticipated moment is all but what she expected. Robert’s indifference towards her and his attempt to escape reality leave Edna in a turmoil of emotions. The inability to cope with this influx of emotions leads Edna to end her life, in an attempt to terminate her suffering and mental unrest, caused by the absence of a dominant, present male figure in her life.
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