Even though Edna is surrounded by people on Grand Isle, she feels alone because of her internal struggles. She thinks that by altering her life to reflect her authentic self, she can achieve the freedom to make her own decisions and connect with others who share her views. Unfortunately, her new acquaintances, who live on their own terms, are also sidelined by societal expectations. Mlle. Reisz is a prime example of this. As a talented musician who has chosen a nontraditional lifestyle, she is perceived as eccentric because she is unmarried and lives independently. Few people appreciate her music, and even fewer choose to associate with her. Mlle. Reisz finds her only comfort and passion in her music. Eventually, Edna encounters a similar sense of loneliness. Attracted by the potential for freedom, she refuses to relinquish her dream and sacrifice her newfound sense of self. As a result, she distances herself from society in her pursuit of creating her own path.