" Unlike men, women are not supposed to do what they please; in fact, their husbands often treat them as objects. When Edna gets sunburned, Leonce is "looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage." The introduction of these standard roles very early on in the novel sets a tone for much of the conflict that the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, faces in her life, for challenges these descriptions that her society stipulates. She refuses to live her life "unthinkingly, as we walk, move, sit, stand, go through the daily treadmill of the life which has been portioned out to us.".
Chopin makes it clear from the beginning of the novel that everything which makes Edna happy is considered some sort of rebellion in her society. This is because Edna feels that in order to truly have ownership of herself, she must express the kind of person who she really is. However, this is a deviation from everything society tells her to be. Thus, one important aspect of Edna's "awakening" is that she does not try to fit the image of perfection that women are supposed to have. She does not feel the need to keep flawless skin, as when she is resting in the sun with Adele she unbuttons the top of her blouse. Furthermore, whereas many of her friends may go into the ocean and "splash about like a baby," Edna swims out as far as she can. In addition, Edna dislikes the fact that her husband feels he is in control of her, and, therefore, she decides not to let Leonce give her orders anymore. For instance, when Leonce continues to insist that Edna come inside before she becomes sick, Edna replies, "I mean to stay out here Don't speak to me like that again; I shall not answer you." Edna also takes it upon herself to end the routine of receiving guests once a week at her home, and she asserts that she does not wish to attend her sister's wedding. Even in the presence of Robert, who is an exception to the traditional male role in that he treats women more or less as equals, Edna refuses to be fussed over as if she were a child.