Throughout history individuals have been plagued with decisions in which they must choose to act in their best interest or act as a martyr, dedicating their lives to the best interests of others. While these choices may seem irrational, selfish, and poorly contemplated from the outside, on the inside there are simply no other options. Paradoxically, the protagonists in both Kate Chopin’s The Awakening and Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain sacrifice what is precious to them to preserve their emotional and spiritual survival. Chopin’s Edna Pontillier forfeits a comfortable role and style of life in order to maint