The story of Edna Pontellier begins ironically from her husband's perspective. The very first pages of the novella are centered on Mr. Pontellier, and Mrs. Pontellier is presented later. This way of introducing the story is a way of introducing the forthcoming issues that might be dealt with throughout the story. The importance of the man seems to overshadow the real issue of the plot, which turns out to be Edna.
During these first chapters, Edna Pontellier's life is shortly presented, displaying her overpowering husband and her silent obliging attitude. Despite her obvious dissatisfaction with her husband, she is "forced to admit that she [knows] none better" (24). She seems to be enjoying a very comfortable life, drowned in fine presents and bonbons from her husband, and one would think her marriage is running smoothly. However, she is overwhelmed with “an indescribable feeling of oppression” (22), which goes far beyond her tactless husband or the way he seems to replace love with expensive merchandise. There is a strange feeling budding up inside her, in “some unfamiliar part of her consciousness” (22), which wonders how fate led her on to where she is today. This smoldering fire inside her being might have chances of bursting, but for now, it quietly sits outside in the night, all alone with no real motive.
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