The Awakening by Kate Chopin (1899)

Name: The Awakening
Author: Kate Chopin

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 · 49,958 words

First lines

A green and yellow parrot, which hung in a cage outside the door, kept repeating over and over: "Allez vous-en! Allez vous-en! Sapristi! That's all right!"

He could speak a little Spanish, and also a language which nobody understood, unless it was the mocking-bird that hung on the other side of the door, whistling his fluty notes out upon the breeze with maddening persistence.

What this Textopian page supports

The Awakening is listed on Textopian as a novel by Kate Chopin, dated 1899 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Kate Chopin
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realism, Feminism, Romance, Tragedy
Length: 49,958 words
Structure: 39 chapters, 1,757 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Realism — The Awakening is a realistic novel that follows the protagonist, Edna Pontellier, as she struggles to find her identity and purpose in life. Chopin's writing style is realistic and naturalistic, focusing on the everyday lives of her characters and their inner thoughts and feelings.
Feminism — The Awakening is a feminist novel that explores the struggles of a woman in a patriarchal society. Edna's journey of self-discovery and her fight for independence are central themes of the novel, and Chopin's writing style emphasizes the importance of female autonomy and empowerment.
Romance — The Awakening contains elements of romance, as Edna's relationships with Robert and Alcee are central to the plot. Chopin's writing style emphasizes the emotional intensity of these relationships and the power of love to both liberate and confine Edna.
Tragedy — The Awakening is a tragedy, as Edna's journey ultimately ends in her death. Chopin's writing style emphasizes the inevitability of Edna's fate and the tragedy of her struggle to find her identity and purpose in life.