Alcée Arobin

[Barbara]

Because she was bored with her life and wanted more excitement.

[Michelle]

In my old age, I often find myself inwardly shouting at the television screen, at the heroine in the pages: “Don’t do it! Don’t give yourself to this worthless creature!” What was especially disappointing in this case was that she seemingly hadn’t done so prior to Robert’s reappearance. One may have thought that if she weren’t concerned with remaining faithful to Leonce, at least the promise of Robert might keep her immune to the practiced lothario. But I think this proves that it wasn’t about her feelings toward, or need for, one man in particular. Rather, it was simply another awakening, this time of lust, which can be a powerful force, overcoming any sense of reason (in one’s youth, at least).

[Maxine]

He was an escape from her life. In a way, it was a sense of freedom to have this affair.

[Michelle]

It was almost funny, the morning after, when Alcee shows up to find her on top of a ladder, as she bustles about, packing up her things to move to her own place. “If he had expected to find her languishing, reproachful, or indulging in sentimental tears, he must have been greatly surprised.”

There had been some tears the preceding night, but only a little, and “…there was neither shame nor remorse.” She acknowledged the truth of it to herself: “There was a dull pang of regret because it was not the kiss of love which had inflamed her, because it was not love which had held this cup of life to her lips.”

[Retta]

Alcee Arobin aka Paramour 19th century Seducer employed flattery which gave Edna that she was in control of this dalliance. Arobin's history was known as a sinister man who enjoyed ruining the reputation of women. Edna 's freedom to feel her sexual arousal and belief Robert loved her as a woman resulted in Edna transitioning this female sexuality to Arobin. Unfortunately Edna did succumb to Arobin sexual advancements and without control of the affair. Victorian America had defined boundaries and rules for women at this time. Edna believed Arobin 's verbal and physical advancements but she was emotionally replacing Arobin in her emotional desires for Robert.

[Emily]

I found the book more worthwhile if looked at in the historical context. I looked at Chopin’s bio in the Credo digital database (under General and Encyclopedia in the green tabs in the library of databases of MCMPL). Chopin had 6 six children and didn’t start writing until her husband died. She had a domineering and racist father-in-law that influenced their life. This book culminates years of writing and documenting creole life and anti-black prejudice. It was a major scandal at the time - you can imagine. She was vilified for the “pornography” of the novel. It is hard to imagine a traditional mother and wife writing all of these stories and books - defying all the norms of society.
I had trouble accepting Edna’s selfishness and her indifference to her children as it made her character unlikeable - maybe that was the point. The book remained obscure until it was picked up by feminist critics as being important.
Where does it fit in now with our modern outlook? It was well written, but it was very one dimensional for my taste. All the other characters were not fleshed out enough to get engaged.

[Renee]

Emily wrote: "I found the book more worthwhile if looked at in the historical context. I looked at Chopin’s bio in the Credo digital database (under General and Encyclopedia in the green tabs in the library of d..."

great comment Emily

[Ashley]

I couldn't stand Arobin. I've met too many men in my life like him and he just gave me the creeps. Even when you say no, they keep trying thinking they can change your mind. And it drove me crazy when she allowed it him anything after she would tell him to leave. I feel like she was bored with her life, and despite him annoying her, he was available to fill a role and induce some excitement she was longing for.