Chopin’s is talking about the expected roles for men and women in the old institution of marriage. She now belonged to herself. This quote explains that Louise recognizes her oppression from the male-dominated society of the time. She realizes with sudden and intense clarity that her life is now her own and calls into question the gender issues of the Victorian era and how they are repressive to women. For example, in the Victorian era, the only duty of women – and the sole means of obtaining society’s respect – was to get married, maintain a good home and ensure the growth of the family by having children. Girls were not allowed to stray and they were watched closely by their mothers. Women were not allowed to think or want sex. Chopin is
