<<I wasn't trying to emphasize the feminism in the novel, but when Edna "[realized] her position in the universe as a human being...." I'm talking about a connection with nature, something all humans could feel (hypothetically). Remember how Edna felt when she heard Chopin, was in the presence of a male she desired, or went swimming? I guess a farmer or a sailor has a better chance of experiencing this than say, a person with a desk job in a city, but aren't these instinctual emotions somewhere inside every human?>> Hmm. . .worth considering. Within the context of the novel, Edna was especially sensitive to these things, and connection to nature is a theme I've seen more in female authors (especially those with spiritual overtones) than in male. But still... Jim _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]