One of the most obvious explanations for Edna's ability to separate herself from the social expectations of the "mother-woman"is the fact that Edna's husband is doesn't care much about what Edna does or is not interested. Thus, he pays little attention to things that might have raised a red flag in the time period. This is evident when he goes out on the town to play billiards, and leaves Edna all to herself.
Edna's husband is even oblivious to the times when Edna could very well be cheating on him with Robert. Such as when Edna and Robert are first coming back from the beach on page one of the story. Mr. Pontiller casually exclaims after letting his wife and Robert out alone together, "What folly! to bathe at such an hour in such heat!"
Edna and Roberts beach trip also serves as a recurring theme which alludes to Edna's interest in Robert. This symbol's (the beach's) meaning is very evident when it conjoins with the "force" of the Chopin music which is being played. The music brings Edna a vision in her mind of a naked man on a desolate rock on the SEASHORE. (As found on page 187) The naked man is obviously referring to Edna's sexual interest in Robert, because no other man joins her on the beach.
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