y for their disapproval. Ednas first marriage is her initial attempt towards self-determination. Janie, on the other hand, in her initial attempt towards self-determination, rejects the idea of marriage, but is forced into a loveless union to Logan Killicks because of her grandmothers persistence. Janie had always believed in marrying for love, not securitya virtue her grandmother adamantly preached. Ironically, these oppressive marriages make these women stronger. Initially, these women are looked upon as possessions, and, thus, their identities are degraded. Leonce treats Edna as a belonging and looks upon her as one looks at a valuable piece of personal property which has suffered some damage (Chopin 7). Janie is regarded in the same way by Logan, who refuses to accept essential parts of her heritage, personality, and experience (Kubitschek 23). Because their husbands limit their avenues of opportunity to pursue any individual growth, they become more determined to rebel against the status quo. Edna and Janie are expected to play the roles of a typical woman of their times: keeping home, cooking meals, and raising a family. The concept that either woman could be capable of supporting herself was alien to this period. Edna demonstrates determination in learning to swim after Leonce orders her to cease in her endeavors. Ignoring his admonition, she swims for the first time alone, boldly and with overconfidenceshe grew daring and reckless, overestimating her strength. She wanted to swim far out where no woman had swum before" (Chopin 47). By completing a seemingly trivial feat, Ednas inner self is awakened, and she realizes that life is more then staying at home following her husbands orders. After this triumph, she brings new power with her [. . .] she issues orders and speaks more honestly than she ever has before (Dyer 57). Edna finally finds the faith in herself that her husband does not see. By excelling in learnin...
