Madame Ratignolle is introduced in this chapter as the embodiment of the “mother-women,” the Creole wives who always place husband and children before themselves. Because Edna’s behavior and attitudes differ from the mother-women’s, Léonce sometimes doubts Edna’s devotion to her children. Madame Ratignolle, sewing winter garments for her children, openly makes references to her pregnancy, which shocks Edna who is taken aback by mention of any matter pertaining to sex. Edna finds that Creole women do not share such taboos and are more open to discussion and literature containing references to sexual matters.
