Quotes About Independence

I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not.

I don't want anything but my own way. That is wanting a good deal, of course, when you have to trample upon the lives, the hearts, the prejudices of others [...]

There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself.

The bird that would soar above the plane of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.

Every step which she took toward relieving herself from obligations added to her strength and expansion as an individual.

Conditions would some way adjust themselves, she felt; but whatever came, she had resolved never again to belong to another than herself.

There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature.

She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!" The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body.

The soul of her youth clamored for its rights; for a share in the world's glory and exultation.

She began to do as she liked and to feel as she liked.

The bird that would soar about the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.

I am no longer one of Mr, Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose. If he were to say, 'Here, Robert, take her and be happy; she is yours,' I should laugh at you both.

When Edna was at last alone, she breathed a big, genuine sigh of relief.

I am no longer one of Mr. Pontellier's possessions to dispose of or not. I give myself where I choose.

I know I shall like it, like the feeling of freedom and independence.

Well, for instance, when I left her today, she put her arms around me and felt my shoulder blades, to see if my wings were strong, she said. 'The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.

The golden shimmer of Edna's satin gown spread in rich folds on either side of her. There was a soft fall of lace encircling her shoulders. It was the color of her skin, without the glow, the myriad living tints that one may sometimes discover in vibrant flesh. There was something in her attitude, in her whole appearance when she leaned her head against the high-backed chair and spread her arms, which suggested the regal woman, the one who rules, who looks on, who stands alone.

I suppose this is what you would call unwomanly; but I have got into a habit of expressing myself. It doesn't matter to me, and you may think me unwomanly if you like.

There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature.

There would be no one there to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature. A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime as she looked upon it in that brief moment of illumination.

It seems to be that way with most things. No one to do the really disagreeable jobs except oneself.

Never use anybody else's power, but always use yours.

Edward was the lone contrarian. He prided himself on not hoping, on not allowing his heart to lift inside of him. He prided himself on keeping his heart silent, immobile, closed tight.

Let her have her dangerous will.