One of the main objectives of authors is to depict the society in which they live and relate the challenges that individuals of that time period face in their daily lives. Through literature, it is possible to understand and even to sympathize or empathize with the characters as they struggle to find their way through societal barriers. Because of the greater restrictions on women throughout history, many literary works portray the searching and suffering of female protagonists. Edna Pontellier in Kate Chopin's The Awakening" and Elisa Allen in John Steinbeck's "Chrysanthemums," although living several decades apart, both exemplify such women who are constrained by the patriarchal world and want to break out but lose the personal battle.
             The Awakening takes place at the end of the 19th century, when the Western world was undergoing a major transformation due to the Industrial Revolution and increased urbanization. Women at all levels of society had "awoken," as Chopin characterizes in her novel's title and now were doing what they could to improve their place as independent women. Yet despite this recognition of a desired freedom, women were still primarily restricted by tradition to play a subservient role to their husbands.
             Men expected their middle- and upper-class wives to remain in the home playing the part of wife, mother and symbol of her husband's station in life. Their hours were to be spent reading, playing music, singing, entertaining friends and their husband's business associates, and presenting a positive image. Despite their dream to be free, women were still considered possessions.
             As Toth notes (357) notes, When The Awakening was published, the majority of critics blasted Chopin. Other novels that came out at this time were acclaimed because
             "all were considered 'healthy,' with 'kindly sentiment,' suitable for a young person to read; and all promoted the tr...