In "The Kiss," Kate Chopin intricately depicts the characters’ actions and decisions as reflections of their personal desires clashing with societal expectations. Nathalie, the central character, embodies this conflict distinctly. Her desire for love, intimacy, and fulfillment is evident, as is her awareness of the societal norms around marriage, propriety, and relationships.
Nathalie initially shows affection for Brantain, recognizing his wealth as an attractive quality that can provide her with the social standing and lifestyle she desires. However, when Harvy enters the scene and kisses her unexpectedly, Nathalie's reaction indicates a deeper emotional conflict. She feels an immediate and powerful connection with Harvy that transcends the pragmatic motivations behind her attraction to Brantain. Her anger towards Harvy upon his unexpected arrival underscores her internal struggle—she wants to maintain her dignity and reputation while also grappling with her true feelings.
Harvy represents a form of romantic idealism that contrasts sharply with Brantain's more pragmatic and calculated approach. While Harvy has a long-standing platonic intimacy with Nathalie, his actions—kissing her at the wedding—highlight how personal desire can diverge from social conventions. His complicity with societal norms—by attending the wedding and respecting Brantain's position—creates a nuanced tension that reflects on Nathalie's eventual choices.
Nathalie ultimately decides to marry Brantain, despite her lingering feelings for Harvy. This decision can be viewed as both justified and tragic. On one hand, she is operating within the confines of societal expectations for women during her time, which often prioritize financial stability and social status over romantic passion. Marrying Brantain secures her social and economic wellbeing, which many would argue is a rational choice considering the societal pressures she faces. On the other hand, her choice to suppress her feelings for Harvy for the sake of material comfort and status can be seen as a betrayal of her own desires and identity. This dichotomy raises questions about the sacrifices women make for security and the emotional toll such decisions can exact.
In conclusion, Nathalie's choices are understandable considering the context of her societal environment; however, they also reveal the deep sacrifices she makes regarding her authentic self and emotional fulfillment. Her situation is a testament to the enduring struggle between personal desires and societal expectations, a theme that Chopin masterfully explores in her narrative. Nathalie's ultimate acceptance of a life structured around obligation and material security over genuine love reflects the painful reality faced by many women, making her choices both justified and, in a sense, lamentable.