Kate Chopin

"The Awakening" is the story of Edna Pontellier, an attractive young wife and the mother of two sons living in the Creole south in the late 19th century. Edna feels herself trapped in a marriage where she is unable to express her passionate sensuality and as a result explores a spiritual and sexual awakening through an affair with a younger man during one summer while her husband is away. Liberated by this experience she sends her children away and is determined to live a more independent and self-determined life. This behavior would lead to her downfall as it was not seen favorably by the members of her conservative 19th century southern community. "The Awakening" is a landmark modernist work which illustrates the confines of late 19th century America for women and the beginning of an era of changing social attitudes towards their role in society. The liberal portrayal of Edna in "The Awakening" was meet with great criticism when it was first published and essentially ended Chopin's literary career. The reaction to its publication is indicative of the social attitude towards increasing freedom for women during this era. At the same time the novel was a harbinger of the greater independence that was soon to come for women in America. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

The Awakening shocked turn-of-the-century readers with its forthright treatment of sex and suicide. Departing from literary convention, Kate Chopin failed to condemn her heroine's desire for an affair with the son of a Louisiana resort owner, whom she meets on vacation. The power of sensuality, the delusion of ecstatic love, and the solitude that accompanies the trappings of middle- and upper-class life are the themes of this now-classic novel. As Kaye Gibbons points out in her Introduction, Chopin "was writing American realism before most Americans could bear to hear that they were living it."

A Night in Acadie (1897) is a short story collection by American author Kate Chopin. Chopin, a pioneering feminist and gifted writer, sought to portray the experiences of Southern women and ethnic minorities struggling to survive in an era decimated by war and economic hardship. A Night in Acadie collects twenty-one of her stories. In “A Night in Acadie,” a young farmer named Telèsphore decides to take his meager earnings with him into town. Making his way to the train, he laments his solitary life, musing on the women he has unsuccessfully courted—the lovely Elvina, homely and hardworking Amaranthe, and the seductive widow Ganache. That night, attending a dance near Marksville, he makes the acquaintance of the beautiful Zaïda. Although she is already engaged to be married, he makes a point of talking to her, happy to escape his thoughts, if only for one night. “Athénaïse” is the story of a young wife who longs to escape her husband. Fleeing to New Orleans, determined to survive on her own, Athénaïse soon makes a discovery that shakes her conviction and forces her to consider returning home. In “Regret,” Mamzelle Aurélie is an unmarried woman approaching middle age. Having never been in love, she lives comfortably with her dog on a modest farm. One day, her neighbor unexpectedly shows up at her doorstep with her four young children, asking if she will look after them for the day. A Night in Acadie showcases the literary talent of Kate Chopin, a writer with an eye for characters on the fringe, people whose hearts often clash with the rules and demands of culture in the American South. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Kate Chopin’s A Night in Acadie is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Bayou Folk (1894) is a short story collection by American author Kate Chopin. Chopin, a pioneering feminist and gifted writer, sought to portray the experiences of Southern women and ethnic minorities struggling to survive in an era decimated by war and economic hardship. Bayou Folk collects twenty-three of her stories. “Beyond the Bayou” is the story of La Folle, a thirty-five year old black woman living on the outskirts of a Louisiana plantation. Traumatized with memories of the war, she has spent her entire life on one side of the bayou. From her modest cabin, she entertains visits from the owner of Bellissime plantation and his young children. La Folle holds a special fondness for Chéri, the owner’s young son, whom she entertains with stories of a world she has seldom, if ever, seen, a world “beyond the bayou.” When a terrible accident occurs, however, she is forced to face her deepest fears, or else suffer the most unthinkable loss of all. In “Désirée's Baby,” the most acclaimed of Chopin’s short stories, a young woman married to plantation owner Armand Aubigny awaits the birth of her first child. When the child is born with a racially ambiguous appearance, however, Aubigny quickly blames his wife, whose parents are suspected of having African American heritage. Banished from the plantation, Désirée leaves her young family behind, unaware of the secret her husband declined to share. Bayou Folk showcases the literary talent of Kate Chopin, a writer with an eye for characters on the fringe, people whose hearts often clash with the rules and demands of culture in the American South. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Kate Chopin’s Bayou Folk is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

At Fault (1890) is a novel by American author Kate Chopin. Published at the author’s expense, At Fault is the undervalued debut of a pioneering feminist and gifted writer who sought to portray the experiences of Southern women struggling to survive in an era decimated by war and economic hardship. Thérèse Lafirme is a Creole widow whose husband’s death has made the Place-du-Bois plantation on the Cane River in northwestern Louisiana her sole responsibility. Struggling to survive in a region that, following the fall of the Confederacy, has failed to recover from the devastation of defeat, Lafirme agrees to sell her land’s timber rights to a recently divorced businessman named David Hosmer. As the two begin to fall in love, Hosmer’s sawmill causes tension in an agrarian community unaccustomed to modern industry. Hosmer proposes to Thérèse, she is forced to consider the prospect of marriage against the opinion her community as well as her own moral and religious values, to set her personal desires aside in order to appease tradition. When Fanny, Hosmer’s alcoholic ex-wife, re-enters the picture, trouble ensues that threatens to ruin Lafirme’s reputation as an honest, hardworking woman. At Fault, like much of Chopin’s work, went largely unnoticed upon publication, but has since garnered critical acclaim as a work that explores the lived experiences of women and racial minorities during a period of political and economic upheaval. Both fictional and autobiographical—Chopin was a widow of French heritage who struggled to provide for her family following her husband’s death—At Fault is an underappreciated masterpiece of nineteenth-century literature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Kate Chopin’s At Fault is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Welcome to the book series 7 best short stories specials, selection dedicated to a special subject, featuring works by noteworthy authors. The texts were chosen based on their relevance, renown and interest. This edition is dedicated to Feminist Fiction. This book contains: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, The Gentle Lena by Gertrude Stein, The Fullness of Life by Edith Wharton, The Marble Child by Edith Nesbit, A Jury of Her Peers by Susan Glaspell and Bliss by Katherine Mansfield. For more books with interesting themes, be sure to check the other books in this collection

The groundbreaking depiction of a woman who dares to defy the expectations of society in the pursuit of her desire, with an insightful introduction by author Claire Vaye Watkins. A Penguin Vitae EditionWhen Kate Chopin's classic was first published in 1899, charges of sordidness and immorality seemed to consign it into obscurity and irreparably damage its author's reputation. But a century after her death, The Awakening is widely regarded as Kate Chopin's great achievement and a celebrated work of early feminist literature. Through careful, subtle changes of style, Chopin shows the transformation of Edna Pontellier, a young wife and mother, who - with tragic consequences - refuses to be caged by married and domestic life, and claims for herself moral and erotic freedom. Penguin Classics launches a new hardcover series with five American classics that are relevant and timeless in their power, and part of a dynamic and diverse landscape of classic fiction and nonfiction from almost seventy-five years of classics publishing. Penguin Vitae provides readers with beautifully designed classics that have shaped the course of their lives, and welcomes new readers to discover these literary gifts of personal inspiration, intellectual engagement, and creative originality.

First appearing in 1899 The Awakening is regarded as work presaging both feminist fiction and literary modernism. The author’s clear vision of a woman’s internal and external conflicts continue to demand engagement and response from readers. The Awakening follows Edna Pontellier as she recognizes and attempts to deal with her confining lot as a woman and mother in the 19th century American South. Torn between traditional roles and an inchoate desire for independence and a more passionate life, she faces more than one difficult choice, leading to a grim reckoning. Initially receiving a mixed critical reception, including much condemnation for its frank depiction of adultery, the novel has gone on to be recognized as both a classic piece of fiction and a groundbreaking work of women’s realism. The poignant portrayal of the protagonist attempting to determine her true feminine identity makes this one of the first novels willing to openly confront women’s issues, to make clear that traditional roles could be limiting and to legitimatize an emotional life that transcended society’s boundaries. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Awakening is both modern and readable.

In this annotated edition Rafael Walker highlights Chopin's awareness of the privileged class's exploitation of the the less-privileged and includes neglected stories that foreground Chopin's feminism.

Bayou Folk (1894) is a short story collection by American author Kate Chopin. Chopin, a pioneering feminist and gifted writer, sought to portray the experiences of Southern women and ethnic minorities struggling to survive in an era decimated by war and economic hardship. Bayou Folk collects twenty-three of her stories. “Beyond the Bayou” is the story of La Folle, a thirty-five year old black woman living on the outskirts of a Louisiana plantation. Traumatized with memories of the war, she has spent her entire life on one side of the bayou. From her modest cabin, she entertains visits from the owner of Bellissime plantation and his young children. La Folle holds a special fondness for Chéri, the owner’s young son, whom she entertains with stories of a world she has seldom, if ever, seen, a world “beyond the bayou.” When a terrible accident occurs, however, she is forced to face her deepest fears, or else suffer the most unthinkable loss of all. In “Désirée's Baby,” the most acclaimed of Chopin’s short stories, a young woman married to plantation owner Armand Aubigny awaits the birth of her first child. When the child is born with a racially ambiguous appearance, however, Aubigny quickly blames his wife, whose parents are suspected of having African American heritage. Banished from the plantation, Désirée leaves her young family behind, unaware of the secret her husband declined to share. Bayou Folk showcases the literary talent of Kate Chopin, a writer with an eye for characters on the fringe, people whose hearts often clash with the rules and demands of culture in the American South. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Kate Chopin’s Bayou Folk is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

A Night in Acadie (1897) is a short story collection by American author Kate Chopin. Chopin, a pioneering feminist and gifted writer, sought to portray the experiences of Southern women and ethnic minorities struggling to survive in an era decimated by war and economic hardship. A Night in Acadie collects twenty-one of her stories. In “A Night in Acadie,” a young farmer named Telèsphore decides to take his meager earnings with him into town. Making his way to the train, he laments his solitary life, musing on the women he has unsuccessfully courted—the lovely Elvina, homely and hardworking Amaranthe, and the seductive widow Ganache. That night, attending a dance near Marksville, he makes the acquaintance of the beautiful Zaïda. Although she is already engaged to be married, he makes a point of talking to her, happy to escape his thoughts, if only for one night. “Athénaïse” is the story of a young wife who longs to escape her husband. Fleeing to New Orleans, determined to survive on her own, Athénaïse soon makes a discovery that shakes her conviction and forces her to consider returning home. In “Regret,” Mamzelle Aurélie is an unmarried woman approaching middle age. Having never been in love, she lives comfortably with her dog on a modest farm. One day, her neighbor unexpectedly shows up at her doorstep with her four young children, asking if she will look after them for the day. A Night in Acadie showcases the literary talent of Kate Chopin, a writer with an eye for characters on the fringe, people whose hearts often clash with the rules and demands of culture in the American South. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Kate Chopin’s A Night in Acadie is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

At Fault (1890) is a novel by American author Kate Chopin. Published at the author’s expense, At Fault is the undervalued debut of a pioneering feminist and gifted writer who sought to portray the experiences of Southern women struggling to survive in an era decimated by war and economic hardship. Thérèse Lafirme is a Creole widow whose husband’s death has made the Place-du-Bois plantation on the Cane River in northwestern Louisiana her sole responsibility. Struggling to survive in a region that, following the fall of the Confederacy, has failed to recover from the devastation of defeat, Lafirme agrees to sell her land’s timber rights to a recently divorced businessman named David Hosmer. As the two begin to fall in love, Hosmer’s sawmill causes tension in an agrarian community unaccustomed to modern industry. Hosmer proposes to Thérèse, she is forced to consider the prospect of marriage against the opinion her community as well as her own moral and religious values, to set her personal desires aside in order to appease tradition. When Fanny, Hosmer’s alcoholic ex-wife, re-enters the picture, trouble ensues that threatens to ruin Lafirme’s reputation as an honest, hardworking woman. At Fault, like much of Chopin’s work, went largely unnoticed upon publication, but has since garnered critical acclaim as a work that explores the lived experiences of women and racial minorities during a period of political and economic upheaval. Both fictional and autobiographical—Chopin was a widow of French heritage who struggled to provide for her family following her husband’s death—At Fault is an underappreciated masterpiece of nineteenth-century literature. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Kate Chopin’s At Fault is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Edna Pontellier struggles with her role as a housewife, and yearns for social freedom. Her increasingly unorthodox views on femininity and motherhood fuel her desires and passion, despite the prevailing social attitudes of the South. On a quest of self discovery, Edna flees her domestic role in search of love and spiritual freedom in a world that isn't ready for her. The Awakening is one of the earliest novels that focuses on women's issues without condescension. The novel was particularly controversial upon publication because Chopin didn't condemn Edna's desire for an affair. Instead, Chopin focused on human behaviour and the complexities of social structures while exploring the banalities of everyday life and the consequences of social norms. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.

First appearing in 1899 The Awakening is regarded as work presaging both feminist fiction and literary modernism. The author’s clear vision of a woman’s internal and external conflicts continue to demand engagement and response from readers. The Awakening follows Edna Pontellier as she recognizes and attempts to deal with her confining lot as a woman and mother in the 19th century American South. Torn between traditional roles and an inchoate desire for independence and a more passionate life, she faces more than one difficult choice, leading to a grim reckoning. Initially receiving a mixed critical reception, including much condemnation for its frank depiction of adultery, the novel has gone on to be recognized as both a classic piece of fiction and a groundbreaking work of women’s realism. The poignant portrayal of the protagonist attempting to determine her true feminine identity makes this one of the first novels willing to openly confront women’s issues, to make clear that traditional roles could be limiting and to legitimatize an emotional life that transcended society’s boundaries. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Awakening is both modern and readable.

»Mer angelägen & konstnärligt högtstående än stora delar av samtidslitteraturen.« | Svenska Dagbladet»Kate Chopin är en pionjär vad gäller behandlingen av sexualitet i amerikansk litteratur. Hon talar inte bara till kvinnor, hon talar med stort kraft om dem.« | The TimesI det sena 1800-talets New Orleans är de sociala skrankorna stränga, inte minst för en gift kvinna. Edna Pontellier lever ett tryggt liv med man och två barn, men hennes rastlöshet växer i det inskränkta societetslivet, och förväntningarna på henne - från make och omvärld - skapar ett allt större tryck. Under en resa till Grand Isle, en ö utanför Louisianas kust, kommer hennes liv att ställas på ända av en häftig kärlekshistoria, och passionen tvingar henne att ifrågasätta grundvalarna för sin - och varje kvinnas - existens. Kate Chopins roman Uppvaknandet orsakade skandal med sin frispråkighet när den kom ut år 1899. Romanens öppet sexuella motiv och lättsinne inför äktenskapliga och samhälleliga konventioner gjorde att den inte trycktes om på femtio år. Först på 1950-talet återupptäcktes Chopins författarskap och Uppvaknandet fick stort erkännande. I dag framstår den inte bara som en tidig feministisk milstolpe utan också som en klassiker. Denna utgåva är den första på svenska på över fyrtio år. I svensk översättning av Margareta Lundgren, med ett nyskrivet förord av Aase Berg och ett efterord av översättaren. KATE CHOPIN [1851-1904] föddes i St Louis. Hon fick sex barn i sitt äktenskap, och först efter makens död 1882 framträdde hon som författare. Hon publicerade noveller i tidskrifter som Vogue och The Atlantic och blev uppskattad och omtalad för sina skildringar av den amerikanska Södern, men också kritiserad för sitt ifrågasättande av sociala traditioner och rasmässiga barriärer. Uppvaknandet [The Awakening, 1899] var hennes andra roman.