The Kiss is a short story by Kate Chopin, first published in 1899. It tells the story of a young woman, Mathilde, who is married to a wealthy man, Monsieur Loisel. Mathilde is discontented with her life and longs for the luxuries she believes she deserves. When her husband is invited to a ball, Mathilde is desperate to attend, but has no suitable dress. Monsieur Loisel borrows a diamond necklace from a friend to give to Mathilde, and she is able to attend the ball. At the ball, Mathilde meets a young man who is captivated by her beauty. He kisses her passionately, and Mathilde is overwhelmed by the experience. She returns home, and the next morning, she discovers that the necklace is missing. Monsieur Loisel is forced to borrow money to replace the necklace, and Mathilde is left with a deep sense of regret and shame. The Kiss is a story about the consequences of materialism and the power of a single moment. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should not take our blessings for granted.
By Kate Chopin · First published 1899 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Feminist Literature