Madame Ratignolle

1. Madame Ratignolle Melissa, Cate, and Jamie

2. Description • "Madame Ratignolle, more careful of her complexion, had twined a gauze veil about her head. She wore doeskin gloves, with gauntlets that protected her wrists. She was dressed in pure white, with a fluffiness of ruffles that became her. The draperies and fluttering things which she wore suited her rich, luxuriant beauty as a greater severity of line could not have done." • "white throat" -still characterized later as pure, even though Edna adds sexual description

3. Description • "It was easy to know them, fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious blood. They were women who idolized their children, worshipped their husbands, and esteemed it of a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels." • Adele = prime example of a "mother-woman"

4. The Pontellier's vs The Ratignolle's

5. Feminine • "The women were both of goodly height, Madame Ratignolle possessing the more feminine and matronly figure" • "Madame Ratignolle removed her veil, wiped her face with a rather delicate handkerchief, and fanned herself with the fan which she always carried suspended somewhere about her person by a long, arrow ribbon. Edna removed her collar and opened her dress at the throat" • Contrast between Adele's delicateness vs. Edna's boisterousness

6. Motherly • "Madame Ratignolle laid her hand over that of Mrs Pontellier, which was near her. Seeing that the hand was not withdrawn, she clasped it firmly and warmly. She even stroked it a little, fondly, with the other hand, murmuring in an undertone, 'Pauvre cherie.' • "poor you" • shows Edna comfort and gives her motherly care • Reaction: "not accustomed to an outward and spoken expression of affection" = beginning

7. Influence • "There may have been - there must have been - influences, both subtle and apparent, working in their several ways to induce her to do this; but the most obvious was the influence of Adele Ratignolle." • Adele represents what is expected of Edna • caring for children, domestic duties, happiness of her happiness • Because of her upbringing, Edna is confused by Adele's act of affection • "she lent herself readily to the Creole's gentle caress." • Adele suspects and affair with Alcee and reminds Edna of her responsibility to her children • Edna ignores her responsibilities and seeks freedom

8. Influence • Makes Edna first realize her "containment" • "Edna had had an occasional girl friend, but whether accidentally or not, they seemed to have been all of one type - the self-contained. She never realized that the reserve of her own character had much, perhaps everything to do with this" • Edna begins thinking romantically because of Adele • "pretty woman" • Adele tries to get Robert away from her: tell him to "Let Mrs Pontellier alone" • 'She is not one of us; she is not like us. She might make the unfortunate blunder of taking you seriously"

9. Madame Ratignolle's Conclusion about Edna's Death We think Madame Ratignolle would not be surprised to hear the news that Edna has died. She may even suspect that it was a suicide because of the close relationship they had. During Edna’s stay at Grand Isle, she “loosen[s] a little the mantle of reserve that had always enveloped her.” The “most obvious” influence had been Madame Ratignolle, which shows how close they have become and that she really understands Edna. She was able to read Edna clearly, warning her about how “evil-minded” the world can be and the influences of Robert and Alcee. Adele hears that Edna has been associating with Alcee and she tells her of his “dreadful reputation,” which proves that Adele cares for Edna and does not want to see her name ruined because of their association.

10. Madame Ratignolle's Conclusion about Edna's Death • One of the most significant pieces of advice that Edna receives from Madame Ratignolle is when she says that Edna seems to her to be a child, and that she “acts without a certain reflection which is necessary in this life.” This advice proves that Madame Ratignolle and Edna have a close relationship and that she has learned from Edna’s past actions. Madame Ratignolle is worried that because Edna can act so impulsively, that it would not be safe for her to live by herself in her new house. She advises Edna to “be a little careful" and suggests that she has someone come and stay with her, specifically Mademoiselle Reisz. Adele clearly realizes that Edna acts impulsively without thinking of any consequences. This is also revealed when Adele repeats “Don’t neglect me” several times in a row. By Edna “neglecting” her, it means that Edna is drifting away from the pure, motherly, housewife model Adele represents. Since Adele was able to understand Edna and learn about her outlook on life, more than some of the other characters, she would not be as taken aback by the suicide. Adele would be able to see that Edna's suicide is a representation of her gaining her freedom from society and ultimately be able to control her life and find happiness. Adele would be one of the few characters to understand and recognize this.