er father and sister. In defiance, Edna marries, not for love, but to punish her family for their disapproval. Edna's 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 grandmother's persistence. Janie had always believed in marrying for love, not security-a 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 overconfidence...she 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, Edna's inner self is awakened, and she realizes that life is more then staying at home following her husband's orders. After this triumph, "she brings new power with her [. . .] she issues orders a...