In this society the behavior that men had to demand was extremely limiting. For example, when Newland wishes he could be on vacation with May and her family, he states that he cannot, for this reason. This means that he could not leave work for such an enjoyable activity as vacation. In fact, when he decides to break convention and go to see May anyway, he declares himself ill and this is the only reason that could justify such an action. The expectations are deeply oppressive as they dictate all aspects of Newland's life, including the career he is expected to lead. Newland is not satisfied with his choice to become a lawyer. Oppressed as he is, Newland will never be able to be part of this society and at the same time choose a path other than the one prescribed for him. This oppression is so intensely ingrained in him that he has been trained to be the man his society wants, whether he accepts this title or not. This quote is from the end of the novel where Wharton has made it clear that she will never be able to do this. free oneself from the oppressive clutches of society. Ultimately Newland reflects on a life in which he achieves exactly what society has deemed right, but he also reflects that his life is one in which he has never truly done what he wants, rather simply living the way he is confined.