R is for Robert or Rebellion

As this novella continues, there seems to be a growing strength within Edna. First of all there's the obvious change in her, manifested through her actions of accomplishment, such as finally learning how to swim. However, that night, after she triumphantly paddled in the water, wanting to "swim far out, where no woman had swum before" (60), there was a change in the course of the story. This change is none other than the growing importance of Robert in Edna's life.
Robert is beginning to spend a lot more time with Edna than it had been presented at the beginning of the story. He had been mentioned earlier, but his character had been merely an innocent name until Madame Ratignolle called out to our attention. She takes him a side and seriously asks him, "Do me a favor Robert...leave Mrs. Pontellier alone" (45), as she is worried that he might be trying to woo Mrs. Pontellier. To us, his intentions aren't at all clear yet, but Madame Ratignolle's warning could imply the possibility of a romance happening between them.
Edna's reaction to this possibility, though to her it hasn't been explicitly presented, seems to suit her well. The more time she spends with her "friend" Robert, the more it seems to nurture that feeling of awakening that has been mentioned constantly throughout the novella. During that time between the night of Saturday and all of Sunday, Robert and Edna were constantly together, and through this time, Edna starts showing signs of strength that contrast sharply with the first descriptions of her. At first she was described as a very delicate and poised woman, which made her stand out form the crowd (37). But now, she seems to describe herself frequently with the word "strong". It seems as she is starting to perceive that growing fire inside of her and it's starting to be reflected in the perception she has on herself.
However, despite the positive effects that Robert might cause on Edna, there's still a problem. Their relationship could never happen, because, if anybody remembers, Edna is Mrs. Pontellier (a.k.a she is married). Perhaps this could add an extra spice to the process of awakening, and possibly rebellion that Edna will go through.