The ideals of the cult of domesticity and true femininity are demonstrated in The Awakening through the society in which Edna lives. The ideals of piety, purity, submission and domesticity are the main tenants of the cult of domesticity and true femininity. Piety is expected from women in the Awakening: the Farival twins were “…dedicated to the Blessed Virgin at their baptism” (31). The girls had pledged to become nuns immediately after birth and this without their consent. Societal attitudes dictate that women be pious, and the twins' parents follow this commitment by committing them to become nuns. Another ideal is purity, demonstrated through the strict etiquette that women in the novel obey. The obsession with proper etiquette is a reflection of the desire to be considered pure by society. Submission is another quality valued by society in the novel. Throughout the novel, women are expected to depend on men for everything in their lives. This is why Edna's actions are so surprising to the other characters in the novel because not only do they not understand her motives but her means also surprise them. The final tenant is domestic life: all women in the novel are expected to care for their children at all times. This is exemplified by Leonce telling Edna "If it's not a place for mothers to care for children, who the hell was it?" (7). Quality of domestic life was expected from women and this statement by Leonce is very indicative of how everyone expected women to take care of children and that men should not do anything for them.