In the setting of Kate Chopin's The Awakening, most women have little independence and are expected to be selfless, submissive, pregnant wives. Adèle Ratignolle, the ideal “mother woman” is respected and much loved by society, but is unable to express herself and is shackled by society's expectations. Mademoiselle Reisz, however, maintains her independence and freedom to express herself, but at the price of acceptance by society. During her awakening, Edna realizes that in the context of her time, she cannot be respected by society like Adèle Ratignolle, while she respects herself like Mademoiselle Reisz. In The Awakening, women are considered their husband's property and are expected to balance the duties of motherhood with their social duties, which involve protecting the family's reputation. Léonce Pontellier, Edna's husband, considers her his possession. When she comes home from the beach tanned, he looks at her “as one looks at a valuable personal possession that has suffered some damage” (Chopin 3). Because Léonce sees his wife as property instead of a person, he is very unsympathetic towards her desires. When Edna declares that she wants to leave, Léonce responds angrily, claiming that it is “the utmost folly for a woman at the head of a family and mother of children” to devote time to herself that “could be better spent contriving for the comfort of her family ” (Chopin 76). Léonce is incredulous that Edna would even consider thinking of herself before her family, since it is such a dramatic change from the protocol of the time. It is almost inconceivable that society would be structured in any other way. It is not only assumed, but expected, that women will be the cure... at the center of the card... who run away, but after her newfound awakening, she is unable to return to being a submissive. mother at the expense of her independence. Edna's decision to commit suicide preserves not only her children, but also her reputation and independence in a society devoid of options for women who desire both. Edna's decision to commit suicide is the best choice amid the lack of viable options available to women at the time. . Society left no practical options for women who refused to conform to its ideals. Women were not supposed to be independent, single or artistic. The fact that Edna had to commit suicide to preserve her independence and reputation is not a comment on her, but rather on the repressive and sexist society that offered women no other legitimate choices. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. The awakening. New York: Barnes & Noble, 2003. Print.