Caline by Kate Chopin (1892)
The novel revolves around Calixta, a married woman who has an affair with Alcée, her former lover. The story takes place during the summer in Louisiana and explores themes of desire, passion, and the constraints placed on women's lives by societal expectations. Calixta's relationship with Alcée is intense but ultimately doomed due to the societal norms that govern their lives.
By Kate Chopin · First published 1892 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Realism · 1,008 words
First lines
The sun was just far enough in the west to send inviting shadows. In the centre of a small field, and in the shade of a haystack which was there, a girl lay sleeping. She had slept long and soundly, when something awoke her as suddenly as if it had been a blow. She opened her eyes and stared a moment up in the cloudless sky. She yawned and stretched her long brown legs and arms, lazily. Then she arose, never minding the bits of straw that clung to her black hair, to her red bodice, and the blue cotonade skirt that did not reach her naked ankles.
What this Textopian page supports
Caline is listed on Textopian as a short story by Kate Chopin, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Realism, Historical Fiction, Romance
- Length: 1,008 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Caline by Kate Chopin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Caline?
- 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?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, belonging, and the contrast between rural and urban life, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist undergoes personal growth and self-discovery, typical of coming-of-age narratives.
- Realism — The depiction of everyday life and social dynamics reflects the principles of realism.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and cultural context provide a historical backdrop that informs the characters' experiences.
Tags
American Literature · Feminist Fiction · Marriage · Relationships · Romance · Realism · Symbolism · Nature · Isolation · Loneliness · Desire · Passion