Do you think Nathalie's choices are justified given her circumstances? Why or why not?

Question

KATE CHOPIN
It was still quite light out of doors, but inside with the curtains drawn
and the smouldering fire sending out a dim, uncertain glow, the room was
full of deep shadows.
Brantain sat in one of these shadows; it had overtaken him and he did
not mind. The obscurity lent him courage to keep his eyes fastened as
ardently as he liked upon the girl who sat in the firelight.
She was very handsome, with a certain fine, rich coloring that belongs
to the healthy brune type. She was quite composed, as she idly stroked the
satiny coat of the cat that lay curled in her lap, and she occasionally sent a
slow glance into the shadow where her companion sat. They were talking
low, of indifferent things which plainly were not the things that occupied
their thoughts. She knew that he loved her—a frank, blustering fellow
without guile enough to conceal his feelings, and no desire to do so. For
two weeks past he had sought her society eagerly and persistently. She
was confidently waiting for him to declare himself and she meant to
accept him. The rather insignificant and unattractive Brantain was
enormously rich; and she liked and required the entourage which wealth
could give her.
During one of the pauses between their talk of the last tea and the next
reception the door opened and a young man entered whom Brantain knew
quite well. The girl turned her face toward him. A stride or two brought
him to her side, and bending over her chair—before she could suspect his
intention, for she did not realize that he had not seen her visitor—he
pressed an ardent, lingering kiss upon her lips.
Brantain slowly arose; so did the girl arise, but quickly, and the
newcomer stood between them, a little amusement and some defiance
struggling with the confusion in his face.
"I believe," stammered Brantain, "I see that I have stayed too long. I—I
had no idea—that is, I must wish you good-by." He was clutching his hat
with both hands, and probably did not perceive that she was extending her
hand to him, her presence of mind had not completely deserted her; but
she could not have trusted herself to speak.
"Hang me if I saw him sitting there, Nattie! I know it's deuced awkward
for you. But I hope you'll forgive me this once—this very first break.
Why, what's the matter?"
"Don't touch me; don't come near me," she returned angrily. "What do
you mean by entering the house without ringing?"
"I came in with your brother, as I often do," he answered coldly, in selfjustification. "We came in the side way. He went upstairs and I came in
here hoping to find you. The explanation is simple enough and ought to
satisfy you that the misadventure was unavoidable. But do say that you
forgive me, Nathalie," he entreated, softening.
"Forgive you! You don't know what you are talking about. Let me pass.
It depends upon—a good deal whether I ever forgive you."
At that next reception which she and Brantain had been talking about
she approached the young man with a delicious frankness of manner when
she saw him there.
"Will you let me speak to you a moment or two, Mr. Brantain?" she
asked with an engaging but perturbed smile. He seemed extremely
unhappy; but when she took his arm and walked away with him, seeking a
retired corner, a ray of hope mingled with the almost comical misery of
his expression. She was apparently very outspoken.
"Perhaps I should not have sought this interview, Mr. Brantain; but—
but, oh, I have been very uncomfortable, almost miserable since that little
encounter the other afternoon. When I thought how you might have
misinterpreted it, and believed things"—hope was plainly gaining the
ascendancy over misery in Brantain's round, guileless face—"Of course, I
know it is nothing to you, but for my own sake I do want you to
understand that Mr. Harvy is an intimate friend of long standing. Why,
we have always been like cousins—like brother and sister, I may say. He
is my brother's most intimate associate and often fancies that he is
entitled to the same privileges as the family. Oh, I know it is absurd,
uncalled for, to tell you this; undignified even," she was almost weeping,
"but it makes so much difference to me what you think of—of me." Her
voice had grown very low and agitated. The misery had all disappeared
from Brantain's face.
"Then you do really care what I think, Miss Nathalie? May I call you
Miss Nathalie?" They turned into a long, dim corridor that was lined on
either side with tall, graceful plants. They walked slowly to the very end
of it. When they turned to retrace their steps Brantain's face was radiant
and hers was triumphant.
Harvy was among the guests at the wedding; and he sought her out in a
rare moment when she stood alone.
"Your husband," he said, smiling, "has sent me over to kiss you."
A quick blush suffused her face and round polished throat. "I suppose
it's natural for a man to feel and act generously on an occasion of this
kind. He tells me he doesn't want his marriage to interrupt wholly that
pleasant intimacy which has existed between you and me. I don't know
what you've been telling him," with an insolent smile, "but he has sent me
here to kiss you."
She felt like a chess player who, by the clever handling of his pieces,
sees the game taking the course intended. Her eyes were bright and tender
with a smile as they glanced up into his; and her lips looked hungry for
the kiss which they invited.
"But, you know," he went on quietly, "I didn't tell him so, it would have
seemed ungrateful, but I can tell you. I've stopped kissing women; it's
dangerous."
Well, she had Brantain and his million left. A person can't have
everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect
it.

Answer 1

Nathalie's choices can be seen as both justified and controversial, depending on the perspective one takes regarding her circumstances and motivations.

On one hand, Nathalie finds herself at a crossroads where societal expectations, financial security, and emotional connections all play significant roles. She is depicted as a woman who understands the value of wealth and the lifestyle it affords her. In a world where women's independence and options were limited, her decision to pursue a relationship with Brantain, who is wealthy, can be viewed as a practical choice. Given her awareness of Brantain's feelings and her own need for financial stability, one might argue that her willingness to accept him, despite his unattractiveness and her apparent affection for another man (Harvy), is a rational and justifiable decision.

However, there is a deeper emotional and moral complexity to her choices. Nathalie’s interactions with Harvy suggest that she has a genuine emotional connection with him, one that could offer her affection and companionship beyond financial security. Her reaction to Harvy's kiss and her subsequent dance between fidelity and attraction create a tension that questions the sincerity of her intentions with Brantain. It can be argued that while her choice might be pragmatic, it lacks emotional integrity and authenticity, ultimately placing her in a morally ambiguous position.

Furthermore, Nathalie's desire for both financial security and emotional fulfillment raises questions about her agency. Is she genuinely drawn to Brantain, or is she merely taking the path that secures her material needs? The societal pressures on women to marry for security often overshadow personal desires, and Nathalie's behavior reflects this conflict.

In summary, while Nathalie's choices appear justified in the context of her circumstances—considering the societal norms and her need for security—they also reveal a complex interplay of personal desire, societal obligation, and the moral implications of her decisions. Her eventual acceptance of Brantain after the confrontation with Harvy might suggest a resignation to practicality over passion, ultimately sparking a critical examination of the sacrifices made for security in a patriarchal society.