Kate Chopin's novel explores the theme of female freedom, female submission, and male dominance. The differences between these three characters highlight the significance of both feminine and masculine roles in society.

Madame is gearing up for a grand party celebrating the British capture of Fort Washington. She decks herself out in white makeup and fake eyebrows made out of mouse fur.

Edna is filled with hope and believes Robert can conquer any obstacles to their love. However, her spirits take a hit when he fails to visit her that day.

Lady Seymour attempts to comfort Isabel by telling her not to tell Madame what happened at the prison and instead encourages her to visit Curzon regularly and bring him food.

Madame Lockton gives Isabel her name as "Isabelle Finch". Not a very flattering designation. Isabel decides to visit Curzon and bring him food, but she's terrified Madame will find out. She doesn't want to put herself at risk for him - not even her life!

Madam Lockton

Isabel is still getting used to life as an enslaved person in New York, and she's noticing Madam Lockton becoming crueler. She gets scolded for not keeping the house tidy enough, and her cut lip is blamed on a fall. Additionally, Isabel must care for Lady Seymour who is suffering from "apoplexy" (a stroke) following the fire that killed her husband.

She meets Curzon, a slave boy, who suggests she spy on Mr. Lockton to expose him as a Loyalist and help her sister and herself escape slavery at the end of the war.

On their way to fetch water, Isabel and Curzon come across a group of other slaves. They are discussing something important for the Patriots who are trying to remove General Washington from the country; they also plan on bribing rebels and killing General Washington.

Isabel can hear conversations in the room regarding the conflict between Patriots and Loyalists. They are trying to buy off rebels by paying them money, but it hasn't gone as planned. Additionally, they discuss plans to execute General Washington by quartering him and sending his body off to four different cities.

Isabel struggles to remain unaffected by the violence she's witnessed and heard, yet she does not let it fill her with anger or guilt. Instead, she strives to keep her emotions under wraps as she makes plans for the future.

Madam is cruel to both Isabel and Ruth, seemingly having no issue with them being apart. She even threatens to sell Ruth because she believes Ruth possesses the devil within her. This harsh reality drives Isabel to fight against Madam in every possible way she can.

When she notices Ruth having a seizure, she knows she is being used by Madam Lockton as an instrument. At first, she thinks Ruth has fallen and is having a seizure due to having too much-sleeping potion in her milk; however, later it is confirmed that Ruth has epilepsy which only adds fuel to the fire of fear for herself as she is sent away - another blow which further intensifies her resolve to rebel against Madam's authority.

Edna and Robert

Edna continues to feel bereft in the wake of Robert's departure, trying to avoid places where she might run into him to shield herself from disappointment. But her imagination cannot help but drift, as she often draws sketches featuring him just as he was before he went away - sometimes even drawing him on them!

One day, Edna visits Mademoiselle Reisz's apartment to find Robert. She is disappointed that he has returned to New Orleans after two days without calling or seeking her out. However, Robert explains that he had a lot on his plate in Mexico and had been very busy there; thus, he has chosen to depart for Vera Cruz, Mexico, where he plans to work for one year.

He plans on returning in time for Leonce Pontellier's wedding, as well as returning to Paris where he hopes to get married this fall. It will be his dream come true to be back home, surrounded by new friends and experiences in a foreign land.

However, he will miss her deeply. Although he wishes to say goodbye without hurting her feelings, he does not know how. As a lonely man, he believes that only she can help him cope with this loss.

Meanwhile, Edna has made a new friend in Alcee Arobin. This man is notorious for seducing married women, and Edna finds herself very attracted to him. However, she takes great care to ensure he won't betray her; thus, she sends him letters of apology as assurance.

On the following day, Arobin and Edna take a walk on the beach together. They are deeply in love and open about their relationship; as they walk down the shoreline, Mariequita passes them by and asks if Mrs. Pontellier is his "sweetheart". She is jealous that he has married and has two children by now.

On the following morning, Edna is still full of hope that she and Robert can overcome any obstacles that come their way. However, this optimism soon gives way to despondency and loneliness; she doesn't want to visit Madame Ratignolle or Mademoiselle Reisz in case they think she is seeking out Robert's company too much; similarly, she avoids visiting the pigeon house for fear that women there will notice her sketching Arobin's portrait for Robert.

Edna and Arobin

Edna Pontellier embarks on a brief relationship with Alcee Arobin, an exotic man who claims to be free from sexual activity. This encounter highlights both the difficulties that women face and the limits of their individual freedom within a patriarchal society.

Edna and Arobin are discreet in their relationship, yet both feel a strong desire for each other. Although they spend a great deal of time together in their home, neither Edna nor Arobin feels committed emotionally or physically; rather, they're simply enjoying each other's company without any ambition to become anything more than an occasional pleasure.

They often enjoy simple meals together and discuss trivial matters without emotion or concern. Their close bond serves to give Edna and Arobin the illusion that their lives are idyllic, but this perception is unfounded; although they appear contented, their lives could not be further from the truth.

Their sexual behavior is a manifestation of their rebellion against marriage and motherhood, representing an aspiration to live life on their own terms - something society does not usually encourage women to do. Their desire for freedom from these expectations and the chance to experience sexual bliss leads them to act unconventionally compared to what society expects of them.

Chopin explores the theme of "awakening" in this chapter, a journey that ultimately ends with Edna taking her own life in the ocean at Grande Isle.

Edna recalls her husband Leonce and their children while swimming in the ocean, yet she feels no joy or sadness. She also recalls her time spent at Grand Isle where she relived a moment from when she was twelve years old: walking through a field with her dad as they played.

Her experience on Grand Isle serves as a metaphor for her feelings of frustration and loneliness. She has been chained to domesticity, an iron cage for her sexuality and personhood that cannot be broken free.

Women often face unfulfilled expectations and a lack of freedom, necessitating them to rely on men for survival. Edna's final act of defiance against her gender role was an act of bravery that ultimately failed, yet remains a testament to her strength of character.

Edna and Mademoiselle Reisz

Mademoiselle Reisz, the pianist, symbolizes Edna's growing awareness of both her artistic potential and capacity for love. She serves as an antagonist to Adele Ratignolle - another woman in Edna's circle who is socially accepted yet socially controlled by her husband and children.

Reisz's music, like the mockingbird, speaking in a language only she can comprehend, speaks directly to Edna as if her soul had been waiting in silence for it, awakening grand passions and inspiring rebellion. She encourages Edna to face her emotions head-on without apology or inhibition, challenging her strength and bravery when sensual impulses call.

Edna and Mademoiselle Reisz initially struck an irresistible cord, yet never developed a romantic relationship. Instead, the two formed an interracial friendship that lasted until she left the island during wintertime.

The relationship between Mademoiselle Reisz and Edna stands in stark contrast to Adele Ratignolle and Robert Pontellier, suggesting Edna could have become an accomplished artist had she lived into old age without being dependent on her husband.

Though Mademoiselle Reisz is not introduced until Chapter 9, she plays an essential role in the novel's "awakening" theme. Not only does her piano playing speak directly to Edna's soul and stir up her grand passions, but she also serves as an intermediary between Edna and Robert; showing her the letters Robert has written her and encouraging her that she is in love with him.

She encourages Edna to pursue her artistic passions and also allows her feelings about Robert to be expressed honestly. While not acting as a matchmaker, she helps Edna understand the depth of her love for Robert and how often she has been thinking about him.

After years, Edna finally dares to question her position as a "mother-woman" and all social codes surrounding her. However, she cannot escape these limitations, leaving her life defined by her relationships with men. For Edna to truly find happiness, she must find someone who will treat her as an individual rather than just another wife and mother.

Edna and Madame Ratignolle

Edna Pontellier and Madame Ratignolle are close friends who share a similar sense of morality. However, their views on marriage and raising children differ drastically.

Adele Ratignolle epitomizes the ideal Creole woman - a dedicated wife and mother who puts her husband and children before herself. She spends most of her time entertaining others, never hinting that she has any interests outside of being with her family.

Adele's counterpart, Mademoiselle Reisz, stands in stark contrast; she's single and without children. Edna takes an interest in music which inspires her to break away from her traditional role within society.

Adele and Mademoiselle Ratignolle's relationship with Robert Lebrun is marked by their differing perspectives on marriage and child-rearing. At first, it seems like they just enjoy spending time together without much thought; yet as time passes, Edna begins to question her place within society.

Robert Lebrun is an engaging and passionate young man who has been a faithful companion to different women every summer at Grand Isle. However, his feelings for Edna conflict with the prevalent social belief that women belong solely to their husbands.

Though they share a mutual respect for one another, their relationship does not flourish. After Robert departed from Grande Isle, Edna finds herself left wondering how she will ever find love again.

Edna is unhappy with her life and is heavily influenced by Mademoiselle Reisz's lifestyle. However, eventually, Edna breaks away from society-imposed obligations to lead a life of her own. This pivotal point in the story occurs at this point where Edna realizes she does not want to live according to what society has dictated for her.

Lady Seymour

Madam Lady Seymour is a wealthy and powerful woman. She has close ties to Master Lockton, as well as being an enthusiastic supporter of British causes. Additionally, Madam Lady Seymour cares deeply for those less fortunate; in particular her daughters Isabel and Ruth.

Once she learns of Master Lockton's arrest, Isabel is invited to her home to see him. She gives Isabel two notes: one for the lawyer and another for Ann Lockton; additionally, she sends Isabel back home with her mother Mary Seymour.

She wants Isabel to know that she appreciates the letters and pictures saved after the fire, and apologizes for not insisting upon working at the house when they first met.

However, Isabel does not agree with this apology as she believes that owning a human is wrong and she finds it offensive that Lady Seymour believes she can buy and sell people even if they are good.

Lady Seymour nevertheless opts to present Master Lockton with her portrait and the love letters she had written, as a gesture of her continued affection for him and his family despite his arrest.

Lady Seymour grows more understanding of human experience as Isabel recovers. Though she struggles to express her affection, she knows how much she appreciates her. In recognition, Lady Seymour presents Isabel with a new dress, thick cloak, and heavy skirt as an expression of her gratitude.

Her health is improving, but her speech remains uncertain. She requires Isabel's assistance to move her left leg and has difficulty expressing what she desires.

She is reluctant to inform Madame about her visit to Curzon, yet she does so anyway to save his life. She fears that Madame will punish her for visiting him, yet she does so anyway.

When she's alone, she reads Common Sense by Thomas Paine. Although this book can be difficult to follow along with, she manages to finish it four times before understanding what's being said. For emergencies, she keeps a mending basket nearby in case she needs to quickly conceal the book.

Curzon

The British captured Fort Washington and take a large number of rebels prisoner. Isabel, Sarah, and other wives of soldiers are put on constant duty preparing food and maintaining the house.

Curzon is one of the prisoners and a close friend of Isabel. Both are dedicated to upholding the patriot cause, often risking their lives in doing so.

As the British begin to capture the rebels, Curzon's red hat fades to a faded brown and his face pales with sickness; a symbol of all those Americans taken prisoner during this period.

He may be a slave, but he's still human - and believes the American Patriots deserve to be freed from slavery too. He has shown incredible courage by enduring a bullet to the leg for his beliefs despite suffering and losing hope along the way.

Isabel attempts to bring him some food in his cell, but Dibdin demands the food before anything else. He announces that he and the soldiers are going to start eating his rations again - at a cost: Isabel isn't allowed inside and can't pass her food through the window; otherwise, she could be arrested.

When she arrives, she can barely make out his features due to his illness; he's frozen and shaking with closed eyes, covered in vomit stains, and suffering from a fever.

After all of this, Isabel struggles to believe her brother is still alive. He appears to be near death and she questions if it would be best for her to return home. She feels guilty for fighting the king and does not wish for Curzon's loss.

Isabel decides to visit Curzon despite her feelings, bringing him food. She's terrified Madam will find out, but will do whatever it takes for Curzon's survival.

On the following day, she returns to the prison and throws her bucket through a window. There, she finds Curzon again; though less ill than before, he still looks cold and shaken; telling Isabel that their cause is being defended and explaining that British troops will soon join them in battle. He wants to ensure she's with him when battle commences.

Isabel Finch

Isabel is a thirteen-year-old slave girl living with Madam Lockton. She exhibits confidence and strength of will throughout the book, from her initial confrontation with Pastor Weeks over Mary Finch's will to saving Curzon and rowing away to freedom. This courage shines through throughout every page of Isabel's journey.

At first, Isabel is weak and uncertain of herself, but she gradually gains strength throughout the book. She discovers that she dares to speak her mind about Ruth's situation; moreover, Madame cannot enslave her soul, giving her power over Madame and allowing for personal liberation.

Chapter 42 finds Isabel reading Common Sense and she notices a quote that strikes her as potentially hazardous. She fears Madam could use it against her, so she desires to run away from her master.

Lady Seymour apologizes for not employing Isabel and Ruth at her home, but this leaves Isabel feeling insulted since she still owns them. Isabel wishes Madame could hire her out to clean cells, sew, or scrub tables - anything to earn money so she can obtain freedom. She hopes Madam will hire her out someday so she can earn enough money so she can secure employment outside the home.

Later that night, Isabel finds herself in the library listening intently to Master Lockton, Goldbutton, Inkstained, and Shabbywig discussing various topics. Although she doesn't pay much attention, she understands enough of what they are saying while acting as though she doesn't comprehend it completely.

She witnesses some American soldiers being led to Bridewell prison and is horrified. She thinks of all the many Americans sold to Britain and feels an overwhelming sympathy for them even though she knows she has no control over it.

She also notices that Curzon has not been the same since they last spoke. He doesn't want her around him anymore and doesn't seem interested in getting to know anyone else.

After this chapter, there is a fire in New York. This fire symbolizes both the impending war and how drastically people's lives have been altered.

Lady Seymour Calls to Isabel

Lady Seymour calls Isabel as she sits in her room, wanting to inform her that she made a mistake by arresting Isabel for damaging the furniture and trying to flee.

She feels so embarrassed that Isabel offers to take her back home and fetch a lawyer for her. Additionally, Lady Seymour requests help seating Isabel at the dining table before any of the other guests arrive.

Lady Seymour is an incredibly kind and caring individual, who takes great interest in her children. In fact, she would even go so far as to buy Isabel and Ruth a new house when they are forbidden from returning to their former one.

On the day before, she has bought Isabel a picture and letters given to her by Lord John Seymour. Her trunk is full of them as well, but it is too heavy for her to carry outside due to the fire. Unfortunately, Isabel suffers from apoplexy (a stroke) as a result of the incident.

Isabel returns home that night to find the house on fire. She grabs a doll and runs down the stairs screaming "Fire!" As she does so, she pulls Lady Seymour out of her bedroom to save her.

Isabel displays great courage throughout the book by refusing to obey her Mistress and standing up for Ruth. She does not enjoy being a slave nor being treated with contempt, just like Lady Seymour has done. Additionally, she refuses to be sold or bought as Lady Seymour has done.

She does not wish to be sold and bought, as it makes her feel worthless. She does not take pleasure in being a slave and knows that if her master is unhappy, then all is lost for her. She understands the danger of becoming an object of desire rather than value, so it is important that her master remains satisfied.

Madame threatens to brand Isabel with an "I" for insolence if she does not stop her slave from providing food to the rebel prisoners at Bridewell. When Isabel hears this, she decides that while she cannot chain her soul, she can hurt it.

Isabel considers working for a Loyalist and wishes she could do something to earn some money to pay for her freedom. She dreams of being hired to clean cells or sew or scrub tables. Isabel hopes Captain Campbell will put her to work by offering him useful information about Washington's headquarters in exchange for British support. Although the scar on her cheek indicates that she has had issues with authority before, she cannot prove it.

Isabel Goes to The Bridewell Prison

Isabel learns that Curzon has been captured by the Loyalist Army and she decides to visit him at Bridewell prison. There she finds him cold in a cell with a bullet wound in his leg; Isabel brings food and clothing for comfort while feeling tempted to leave and seek other opportunities, but decides against leaving as this may be her only chance at helping him.

Isabel reflects on those who have perished in the fire and how their families must grieve for their lost loved ones. She feels sad for them and it fills her with an emptiness inside. Additionally, she thinks of those freed from Patriots prison and their families; although Isabel feels a sense of triumph knowing they weren't killed yet, she still mourns for them.

After dinner, Isabel takes a scrap bucket and hides half the food inside it in the shrubbery. The guard takes it but allows her in to visit her brother Curzon.

He has a bullet wound in his leg and has witnessed many horrific things during battle. Fearful, he asks Isabel to bring him food and send letters. She agrees but is terrified of the Patriot soldiers who may beat her if she is caught spying for them. Additionally, she fears the general who promised to save her will turn his back on her.

Madame shouts at Isabel and Isabel feels betrayed. She considers all the ways she could harm her--choking her, braining her, throwing her in the fire, or beating her senseless. In some darkest thoughts, she might even wish to kill her.

In this chapter, Isabel discovers that the Patriots are on the brink of independence. She also hears Madame is selling Ruth to someone; while she's relieved, she won't be sold to someone as cruel as Madame, she still worries for her sister's safety.

Lady Seymour is in acute distress. She experiences constant pain and fear of the Patriots and her husband. Despite her best efforts, Lady Seymour struggles to sleep at night. Worrying about her unborn child also consumes her thoughts; although Madame refuses to take it away from them, Lady Seymour wants desperately to protect it from harm.

Isabel Visits Curzon

Isabel decides to visit Curzon, who she has come to think of as her brother. He is a slave owned by Master Bellingham who has become Isabel's only friend in New York and believes the Patriots are truly freeing everyone. Curzon offers Isabel the chance to spy on the Locktons for them in exchange for her intelligence.

Isabel becomes deeply concerned when she reads reports in the newspapers of a war in Afghanistan, which makes her brother Curzon feel imprisoned and unable to escape. Additionally, she hears reports of rebel soldiers captured at Fort Washington. Feeling overwhelmed with worry for both prisoners and Curzon, she decides to visit him at his prison cell.

Isabel arrives at the prison and finds Curzon slumped over in a small cell with an open window. Although he appears ill and almost dead, he manages to tell Isabel what occurred at the fort. Furthermore, given his age similar to Isabel's, it seems likely he is Bellingham's son.

On her way to prison, Isabel takes a food bucket with her and offers it to Curzon. He accepts it, and they continue walking together. At one point, Curzon takes hold of Isabel's other water bucket without saying a word as she walks back and forth between them.

Later, when the soldier and wife's wives arrive at a tea water pump near the prison, Isabel volunteers to fetch water for them. Her sisters are not pleased with her choice, but if she wants to continue spying on Loyalists for the Patriots, then it must be done.

She retrieves a bowl of frozen leftovers from the privy and bundles them up before heading back to prison in hopes of seeing Curzon again. To her amazement, he is still alive and very ill.

After her conversation with Curzon, Isabel is inspired to do something for him. She is so taken by his bravery and courage in fighting for his freedom that she cannot let her own family stand in the way of helping him.

Isabel Is Branded

Madam discovers Isabel is secretly carrying messages for Curzon and severely beats her, revealing she had sent Ruth south to Lockton's Charleston plantation. This encourages Isabel to become emboldened and no longer afraid of Madam; she steals a pass, forges a new identity as "Isabel Gardner," and then sets out on an adventure to free Ruth.

Before Isabel can escape, she endures three nights in a basement dungeon with rats, flooding, and an angry madwoman. She is marked with the letter "I" on her cheek which forever alters her identity - linking her with her father who also bears scars.

Madame's fury and cruelty become so overwhelming that Isabel begins to fear she might die, making the horror of her condition increasingly unbearable. Madame attempts everything possible to take her life - choke her, brain her, throw her in the fire or beat her senseless. But nothing works and Isabel must endure another night like this.

She is given little food until her trial, where she is accused of breaking her Mistress's laws, destroying property, and trying to run away. At trial, she is found guilty and branded.

At her trial, Madam is informed she will be brandished with an "I" on the side of her cheek for insolence. When the judge agrees, a large crowd gathers around as justice is served.

The branding is an agonizing process that makes her blood run cold. She feels so overwhelmed with pain and fears that she cannot stand, collapsing in front of her mother and father who appears amid their ghost tears.

She weeps and begs her father to save her, but he doesn't listen. Her mother then pleads with her to do something but is too frail and unable to assist.

Becky is keeping Ruth quiet so Madam won't find out about what she has been up to. As she walks, Ruth attempts to sneak in behind her but cannot see anything; thus, she runs out the door and meets a kind blacksmith.