Swimming Out

By now it is apparent in the novel that the sea represents something deeper than water. Edna's realizations about her position in her society and the importance of her own feminism in her life have always come around, or have had something to do with, water. More specifically, the ocean. The first time she swims without assistance is no different.

Mrs. Pontellier's realization that she can swim comes after the dinner where she was so overcome with feelings upon hearing the song of Solitude. Edna finds her ability to swim very suddenly, "alone, boldly and with over confidence" (59). She inspires herself with her own ability, that she can do something powerful without the aid of anyone around her. Yet she makes a mistake, "she grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. She wanted to swim far out where no woman had swum before" and it is here where she scares herself into climbing out of the water and returning home (60). 

However, who can blame her for getting a little excited? After the oppression she has faced for her entire life, the ability to do something on her own and for no one else but herself and her own enjoyment gives her "a feeling of exultation" (60). 

This episode shows Mrs. Pontellier her own strength and the inspiration that finding this strength can create. When she discovers that she can swim on her own, Edna believes in herself. She believes in herself enough to the point where she doesn't want to stop, she wants to continue on this journey of self belief to a point "where no woman had swum before" because she knows now that she has the ability (60). The fright she gets at that point far out in the water is enough to make her go back in the first time, but I believe that her "daring and reckless" side will soon show itself again. Edna Pontellier is becoming a stronger woman, she is thinking and dreaming and trying. She desires success and change. The dim light that began within her is growing brighter as she discovers just how capable she truly is. The "voice of the sea" continues to seduce her and draw her out of her zone of comfort, showing Mrs. Pontellier how to look into herself to find freedom.