Regret by Kate Chopin (1897)
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She is struggling with feelings of regret and disillusionment about her past choices, particularly her decision to marry a man she no longer loves. As she navigates her relationships with her family and friends, she begins to question the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the constraints of social norms on individual freedom. The protagonist's inner turmoil is reflected in her interactions with those around her, including her husband, who represents the conventional values she feels trapped by. Through her experiences, the novel critiques the limited options available to women during this time period and highlights the tension between personal desire and societal duty.
By Kate Chopin · First published 1897 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 1,730 words
First lines
Mamzelle Aurélie possessed a good strong figure, ruddy cheeks, hair that was changing from brown to gray, and a determined eye. She wore a man's hat about the farm, and an old blue army overcoat when it was cold, and sometimes top-boots.
Mamzelle Aurélie had never thought of marrying. She had never been in love. At the age of twenty she had received a proposal, which she had promptly declined, and at the age of fifty she had not yet lived to regret it.
What this Textopian page supports
Regret is listed on Textopian as a short story by Kate Chopin, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Short Story, Women's Fiction
- Length: 1,730 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Regret 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 Regret?
- 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
- Nothing To Say by O. Henry
- The Girl And The Habit by O. Henry
- In The Ravine by Anton Chekhov
- A Dreary Story by Anton Chekhov
- A Sacrifice Hit by O. Henry
- The Love Of Long Ago by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of solitude, emotional growth, and the human experience through rich character development and introspective narrative.
- Realism — The portrayal of everyday life, social dynamics, and the protagonist's internal struggles reflects realistic situations and emotions.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings, examining her emotional responses to unexpected responsibilities.
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative that encapsulates a specific moment in time, focusing on character and theme rather than extensive plot.
Tags
Tragic Love Story · Marriage · Infidelity · Regret · Loss · Grief · Longing · Yearning · Feminism · Female Empowerment · Social Commentary · Class Conflict