The Maid of Saint Phillippe
The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She is struggling with the societal expectations placed upon her and feels trapped in her marriage. The narrative explores themes of identity, freedom, and the constraints of social norms.
By Kate Chopin · First published 1892 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age · 3,521 words
First lines
Marianne was tall, supple, and strong. Dressed in her worn buckskin trappings she looked like a handsome boy rather than like the French girl of seventeen that she was. As she stepped from the woods the glimmer of the setting sun dazzled her. An instant she raised her hand -- palm outward -- to shield her eyes from the glare, then she continued to descend the gentle slope and make her way toward the little village of Saint Phillippe that lay before her, close by the waters of the Mississippi.
What this Textopian page supports
The Maid of Saint Phillippe is listed on Textopian as a short story by Kate Chopin, dated 1892 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: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Romance, Adventure
- Length: 3,521 words
- Structure: 1 section, 70 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Maid of Saint Phillippe 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 The Maid of Saint Phillippe?
- How does this short story by Kate Chopin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- In The Studio by Olive Tilford Dargan
- The Green Door by Mary E. Wilkins
- The Stove by Marjorie Pickthall
- A Visit To Avoyelles by Kate Chopin
- For Marse Chouchoute by Kate Chopin
- Jane Field by Mary E. Wilkins
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of historical events, specifically the tensions between French and English colonial powers in North America.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, freedom, and personal choice, characterized by a rich, descriptive writing style.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist undergoes significant personal growth and self-discovery, particularly in her choices regarding family and freedom.
- Romance — Romantic elements are present, particularly in the interactions between the protagonist and her suitors, highlighting themes of love and sacrifice.
Tags
Realism · Regionalism · American Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Marriage · Love · Social Class · French-American Culture · Identity Crisis · Female Empowerment · Domesticity · Isolation