Throughout the story of The Awakening the author romanticizes the image of a woman who engages in her domestic duties and remains faithful to her husband; however, Edna does not fit this role because she prefers individuality to conformity. In the late 1800s, and even early 1900s, women felt discriminated against by men and society in general. Women were expected to live up to the perfect image created by society by trying to fulfill their husbands' desires. Men typically held discriminatory and stereotypical views of women, so women felt like they had no control over themselves and were perceived as nothing more than property to men. Just like in society, in the Awakening story, Edna's husband used her as a way to acquire extra money for him. She uses her status in society to make deals with other women's husbands; therefore, his presence at home was only crucial when visitors arrived because, as Chopin states, "He thought it very disheartening that his wife, who was the only object of his existence, showed so little interest in the things that concerned him and valued so his conversation was small” (9). Chopin directly states that Edna was the sole supporter of her husband's existence because in reality the deals she had helped to conclude brought the necessary funds to her husband..