How would Veblen react to Edna's choices?

Veblen's excerpt, "Theory of the Leisure Class" discusses the evolution of the leisure class and consumption. Specifically, how both these concepts are social constructs. For instance, Veblen talks about how many social standards are unnecessary time consumers. However, the reason people partake in these tasks is to prove their wealth or social standing. Most of what people do today is show off their possessions, their success, and why they are better than everyone else. People seem to be trying to out show each other every chance they get. In Kinnan's summary of Veblen's work, Kinnan says that, "Veblen notes that as one descends the economic scale one has less and less ability to display wastefulness of time, money , and resources, but he says that poor people will nonetheless do what they can, because this is how the family's or person's reputability is established." Even though poor people don't have the money to waste time with unnecessary "necessities", they will still be doing everything they can to get to the point where they can show off their property. This is similar to when the fatter you were the more wealthy you seemed because you could afford food unlike day laborers who ate but also worked off all of the fat. Back then, rich people would try to eat more so that their social status would increase because people would believe they are richer. Veblen also makes a good point when he talks about the requirements women are subjected to (either consciously or unconsciously). Even though it is more uncomfortable to dress nicely and wear high heels or put on make-up (another time-waster) women will do it anyways. It also mentions how women are another object to be shown off as property to increase their social standing. A great example of women's oppression and their fight to break social constructs is Kate Chopin's novel, "The Awakening".

In the story, Edna, the protagonist,  is feeling oppressed by society, her husband, and even her children. Edna's husband has never thought of Edna as a typical "mother-woman" or a woman who "idolized their children" and "worshiped their husbands". Throughout the story, Edna seems to be struggling finding her way. Even though Edna has been feeling this way for quite some time it isn't until Robert enters her life that she actually starts to feel rebellious. Robert is what allows her to break free from her restraints. However, he is also one of the reasons for her demise. At the end of the novel, Edna commits suicide because she never felt understood.