At the 'Cadian Ball by Kate Chopin
The story revolves around a young woman's desire for freedom and autonomy in a society that restricts her choices. The protagonist is invited to a ball where she meets a man who represents a chance at escape from her stifling life. However, societal expectations and the constraints of marriage threaten to undermine her aspirations.
By Kate Chopin · First published 1893 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Regionalism · 4,613 words
First lines
Bobinôt, that big, brown, good-natured Bobinôt, had no intention of going to the ball, even though he knew Calixta would be there. For what came of those balls but heartache, and a sickening disinclination for work the whole week through, till Saturday night came again and his tortures began afresh? Why could he not love Ozéina, who would marry him tomorrow; or Fronie, or any one of a dozen others, rather than that little Spanish vixen? Calixta's slender foot had never touched Cuban soil; but her mother's had, and the Spanish was in her blood all the same. For that reason the prairie people forgave her much that they would not have overlooked in their own daughters or sisters.
What this Textopian page supports
At the 'Cadian Ball is listed on Textopian as a short story by Kate Chopin, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Kate Chopin
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Regionalism, Social Commentary, Short Story
- Length: 4,613 words
- Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At the 'Cadian Ball by Kate Chopin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering At the 'Cadian Ball?
- How does this short story by Kate Chopin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Guardian Of The Accolade by O. Henry
- A Matter Of Prejudice by Kate Chopin
- New Years Eve And How It Came To Houston by O. Henry
- The Lotus And The Bottle by O. Henry
- The Girl And The Habit by O. Henry
- A Lady From Redhorse by Ambrose Bierce
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex characters and themes, focusing on human emotions and relationships within a specific cultural context.
- Romance — The narrative centers around romantic entanglements and the dynamics of love, desire, and social expectations.
- Regionalism — The setting and characters are deeply rooted in the Cajun culture of Louisiana, reflecting local customs and dialect.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal norms and expectations regarding love, marriage, and gender roles in a specific cultural milieu.
Tags
Southern Gothic · Short Story · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 19th Century · Racism · Slavery · Plantation Life · Social Hierarchy · Class Conflict · Love Triangle · Forbidden Love