Throughout this chapter, we explore Edna’s growth of independence as well as take a closer look at her relationship with Robert. At the start of this chapter, we see Edna go through a wave of emotions while in church. She has the heavy feeling of being oppressed and becoming more and more drowsy by the second, so much so that she needs to leave the service. As she is leaving, it is important to note that the lady in black also happens to be at the same service which shows how death is somehow always within reach of Edna. Following right behind her is Robert, almost as if he was a loyal dog to Edna. This is a callback to chapter five where Robert confesses that he has acted this way before for other women.
After leaving the service, Robert took her to Madame Antoine’s cottage where the only sound was “…the voice of the sea whispering through the reeds that grew in the saltwater pools” (Pg 97). Throughout the novel, the ocean seems to be calling to Edna, which symbolizes the change or perhaps the rebirth of her life. It’s also important to mention that whenever the sea is mentioned, she is with Robert a majority of the time.
Once arriving at Madame Antoine’s cottage, Edna was able to have some time for herself, which seemed to be a new experience for her ever since her marriage and having children. While relaxing in bed, she started to observe herself “…as if it were something she saw for the first time” (Pg 99). This represents how Edna is starting to take a new form but doesn’t recognize herself. After examining herself, Edna fell asleep and when she awoke, she couldn’t hear anyone and thought everybody had left. She soon realized that Robert had not left her. Before meeting Robert down in the shed, Edna was able to have time for herself. Edna had taken the time to clean herself up rather than rush to be at Robert’s side immediately, which shows how she is starting to become independent from societal norms and putting a man’s needs first.
After her time in the bathroom, she met Robert at the shed where they exchanged some flirty banter. Robert explained to Edna that even though the others had left for an outing that he would not leave her side. Robert had also prepared food for Edna by scavenging for food around the island, which is an intimate moment between the two of them. This moment was so intimate because Edna had not received this treatment at home. After eating, both Edna and Robert sat on the ground watching the sun set. During this time, Robert occasionally picked at the hem of her dress (Pg 102). This shows how the relationship between them is changing because in chapter five, Edna would have been repulsed by the idea of Robert playing with her dress, but because something has started to change inside of her, it is beginning to affect her relationship with Robert.
After the sun set, Robert and Edna started their trek back to their own cottages under the moonlight. Whenever someone leaves in this novel, it seems to be under the moonlight, which can symbolize Edna’s growth in her independence. This can be seen later in the novel when Robert is leaving for Mexico because he is leaving at 10pm under the moonlight. In order to return back to their own cottages, Edna and Robert must cross the sea, which represents her change as a person by crossing the line and becoming more independent.
This was a very interesting chapter because this is where we see so many subtle changes in Edna’s behavior. It’s noticeable that Edna has grown to be more and more comfortable around Robert as well as being comfortable with being by herself. This deepens her relationship not only with Robert, but with herself as she starts to understand that she is going through a change.
You’ve done a great analysis of Chapter 13 of highlighting the significant developments in Edna’s character and her relationship with Robert. Your observations shed light on the subtle yet profound changes taking place within Edna as she embarks on a path of self-discovery and independence. One of the striking aspects you’ve noted is Edna’s emotional state in the church, where she feels oppressed and drowsy. This feeling of oppression is a recurring theme throughout the novel, representing the constraints placed on women in the society of that time. The presence of the lady in black, symbolizing death, serves as a constant reminder of the limitations and expectations that weigh on Edna.
The connection between Edna and the sea is a fascinating one to me. The ocean’s call to her signifies change and renewal, and it’s intriguing how this motif often appears in moments when she’s with Robert. This suggests that Robert is closely linked to her transformation and newfound sense of self.