“I would give up what is not essential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children, but I wouldn't give myself," Edna admits. Unfortunately for Edna, she struggles throughout her short life trying to balance her family and love life. However, in the novel The awakening, by Kate Chopin, Edna Pontellier, the protagonist, struggles to conform to social norms and find her identity, which leads to problems with family, love life, and self-empowerment Edna ultimately pays the price as she tries to discover his identity, which leads to complications with his family and marriage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay During his marriage, it is dissatisfied with her role as a mother and wife. Edna finally realizes that she does not need to depend on anyone and is in control of her own freedom. Edna begins to move away from her role as a mother and wife and begins to focus more on her painting skills . While visiting Madame Reisz, Edna tells Madame about her new career choice and Madame comments: “The artist must possess a courageous soul. The soul that dares and challenges”. By choosing to become an artist, Edna begins the process of finding her identity and independence. She then begins to become more herself by choosing what to do with her time instead of listening to her husband's commands. Leonce, Edna's husband, notices her evolution and change, which begins to irritate him. He doesn't like how she gives up certain practices like receiving visitors as it harms his business and work relationships. Leonce also doesn't understand why Edna is disobeying him because he thinks that as his wife, she should take care of the family and take care of his needs. However, she believes she is not suited to the role of a woman-mother, which leads her to distance herself from her family because she realizes that she cannot meet the expectations of a mother or wife. She also sees the mother-woman lifestyle through Adele and understands that it is not part of her identity. For Edna, the life Adele lives is unattractive and colorless. As Edna faces complications in finding her identity, her family and love life struggle as well. Obedience to social norms generates a feeling of entrapment in Edna, creating struggles involving her family and love life. Edna eventually gets tired of always obeying her husband and finally snaps, “Don't talk to me like that anymore; I won't answer you." Edna rejects the role of woman-mother by disobeying social norms and, unlike her husband, does not care how society perceives her. Notice this action when she writes a letter to Mr. Pontellier telling him that she is going away and his response is to place an advert in the newspaper saying that they are going on holiday. This action gives her another reason why she should leave her husband and continue talking to Robert and Alcee. Even though society would chastise Edna for cheating on her husband, she does not regret her choices and continues to challenge social norms. Even as a mother, Edna is not perfect as she does not put her children's needs first. Ultimately, Edna leaves her family because she too feels she cannot help her children and give them what they need. As she struggles to obey social norms, Edna creates problems within her family and in her marriage. As Edna searches for her identity, she establishes important relationships that help Edna empower herself. Edna develops a relationship with Mademoiselle Reisz after meeting her and slowly Madame Reisz inspires Edna over time. Edna often went to see Madame Reisz who helped her.