It was still quite light out of doors, but inside with the curtains drawn and the smoldering fire sending out a dim, uncertain glow, the room was full of deep shadows.

Question

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 self-justification. “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.

In "The Kiss," Kate Chopin explores themes of love, deception, and societal expectations. How do the characters' actions and decisions reflect their personal desires (what they want) versus societal norms (what society expects them to do)?

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

Answer 1

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.