The Awakening is a novel by Kate Chopin, published in 1899. It tells the story of Edna Pontellier, a young wife and mother living in Louisiana in the late 19th century. Edna is dissatisfied with her marriage and her role as a mother, and begins to feel a sense of independence and freedom. She begins to explore her own identity and desires, and eventually embarks on an affair with a young man. The novel follows Edna's journey of self-discovery and her struggle to reconcile her newfound independence with the expectations of society. It is a powerful exploration of the roles of women in the late 19th century, and the consequences of challenging those roles.
By Kate Chopin · First published 1899 · Genre: Realism, Feminism, Romance · 39 chapters