It was hot, sunny day. The sun was beaming down to the earth, so hot it would be virulent if outside too long. It was the day after Mr. Pontellier left for a business trip. He was a very wealthy man and cared much for his social appearances. He wasn’t a philanthropist, he cared about his house and showed his wealth but could care less about others. Mrs. Pontellier had just woken to a noise from Madame Lebrun’s pet birds which wasn’t eccentric. The first thing that came to Edna’s mind once she awoke was Robert. Everything about him made her go head over heels for him but she knew any intimate relationship would be dangerous. She then thought about Mr. Pontellier. His repulsive attitude which was completely different from how Robert treated her. What bothered Edna the most was that all the ladies thought of Mr. Pontellier to be a benign man , “the best husband in the world” , and she was forced to respond saying “she knows of none better”. She was forced to because she couldn’t disparage her husband, it wasn’t lady-like. She then remembered the moment she “thrust her face, steaming and wet, into the bend of her arm, and went on crying there not caring any longer to dry her face, her eyes, and her arms” .
And then, as if nothing, Mr. Pontellier “was eager to be gone, as he looked forward to a lively week on Carondelet street”. But she wasn’t going to let that ruin her day, so she got up, washed her face, and went downstairs to eat breakfast. After breakfast, Edna meets Adèle and Robert on the porch and converse while eating the bonbons Mr. Pontellier sent. They talk about everything; From sewing to childbirth. It surprises Edna since Americans were not as open in conversations, unlike Creoles. As Adèle starts to ramble about different bonbons she has tried in a zealous way, Edna dozed off and started thing about Robert again. She realized how charming he was which made her realize she no longer wanted to be put aside by her husband. She, Edna, realized there was no time to squander, she wanted to confess her love to Robert. Robert having a married woman to talk to every summer didn’t bother Edna, she felt that this was different, it wasn’t credulous, it was clear Robert felt the same way.. She now just needed to get alone with him, but before that, she needed to meet up with her affable friend Mademoiselle Reisz, whos acuity was something Edna could rely on.
Edna knocks on the door three times. No answer. She decides to let let herself in and looks for the key which was “always left in a secret hiding place in the entry, which Edna knew”. She then proceeded in and started talking to Reisz. Reisz thought what Edna wanted to do was risky, but she said she would support her no matter what decision she makes. She now had one thing left to do: Meet Robert at their usual spot, the beach. As soon as Edna arrived to the beach the sun was starting to set. To the far left she saw the two lovers having a conversation. On the right she saw Robert waiting for her. She runs into his arms telling him how she feels as the sun starts to set. They both sit and talk for hours and agree Edna should divorce and be with Robert. Robert feels radiant and excited for a better future with Edna. They both approach the ocean. Consequently, Edna is finally able to swim after she “had attempted all summer to swim. They both decide the best way to start their future is run away during Janet’s wedding.
