Edna's awakening at Grand Isle marks the beginning of her journey toward personal liberation. She realizes she desires a life beyond the confines of being a wife and mother. Upon returning to New Orleans, she refuses to share a bed with her husband and begins to distance herself from social responsibilities that are important only to him and his social status. Eventually, she moves out and rents her own apartment. Free from societal pressures, Edna supports herself through her painting and chooses her own social circles. She delights in the freedom of exploring the city on her own, discovering new places, and noticing people she would have previously overlooked. For Edna, freedom is defined by having choices.