The Kiss by Kate Chopin (1899)

Name: The Kiss
Author: Kate Chopin

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 · 1,026 words

First lines

It was still quite light out of doors, but inside with the curtains drawn and the smouldering fire sending out a dim, uncertain glow, the room was full of deep shadows.

Brantain sat in one of these shadows; it had overtaken him and he did not mind. The obscurity lent him courage to keep his eyes fastened as ardently as he liked upon the girl who sat in the firelight.

What this Textopian page supports

The Kiss is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
Author: Kate Chopin
Date: 1899 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Feminist Literature, Short Story
Length: 1,026 words
Structure: 1 section, 34 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Kate Chopin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Realistic Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Realistic Fiction — The Kiss is a short story by Kate Chopin, set in the late 19th century, which follows the story of a young woman's struggle with her own emotions and desires. This story is an example of realistic fiction, as it is based on real-life events and characters, and is set in a realistic time period.
Romance — The Kiss is a story of love and romance, as the protagonist is torn between her feelings for two different men. The story follows her journey of self-discovery as she navigates her emotions and ultimately makes a decision about which man she will choose.
Feminist Literature — The Kiss is a story that explores themes of female autonomy and independence, as the protagonist is faced with a difficult decision and must make a choice that is best for her. This story is an example of feminist literature, as it challenges traditional gender roles and explores the idea of female empowerment.
Short Story — The Kiss is a short story by Kate Chopin, which follows the story of a young woman's struggle with her own emotions and desires. This story is an example of a short story, as it is a brief narrative that typically focuses on a single incident or theme.