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