In this story, Oseki struggles to find happiness in her life.  Her parents praise her for how successful she is because of the amazing match she has made with her husband.  Like so many woman before and after her, her achievements in life are boiled down to how well she married and the children she produced.  She feels trapped in her unhappy marriage because of the social status her husband has been able to bring to her family.  Even so, she seeks a way out.  The only thing that stops her from leaving Isamu, is her son, whom she can not imagine being away from.  Oseki is forced to choose between happiness or her family.  Ultimately she chooses to be with her son and remain in her unloving marriage for the good of her family.