Status
Checked out
Genres
Publication
Penguin, 1986 (1986), Edition: Later Printing, Paperback
Description
When first published in 1899, charges of sordidness and immorality consigned The Awakening into initial obscurity and irreparably damaged its author's literary and social reputation. In her introduction, Sandra M. Gilbert considers the issues explored in the novel and the stories from their growth out of the feminist literary tradition of the nineteenth century to their place among other concerns of fin de sicle writers in America and England.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Crowyhead
I've read "The Awakening," but I haven't read the other stories in this collection.
LibraryThing member k8_not_kate
"I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself. I can't make it more clear; it's only something which I am beginning to comprehend, which is revealing itself to me." This touching and meaningful passage from The Awakening
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says everything about the main character's realization that she can be more than an accessory to her husband and children. An early feminist novel, this story is both tragic and telling about the lives of women in the Victorian era. Show Less
LibraryThing member jedisluzer
One of the books I read in high school that blew me away. Kate Chopin was so ahead of her time, and I love the language, especially the passages describing the pull of the sea on the main character. This is probably in my all-time top ten books. The fact that I live in New Orleans now and a lot of
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the places Chopin mentions haven't changed in 100 years is also delightful. Show Less
LibraryThing member klemay42
Given to me my senior year of high school; a fantastic introduction to turn of the century feminism, a great companion piece to books like The House of Mirth.
LibraryThing member thairishgrl
This book reminds me of The Yellow Wallpaper. It's a commentary about the limitations placed on women in society and the desperate lengths some women will go to in order to find solace.
LibraryThing member sturlington
This classic was published in 1899, but many people may not have had the opportunity to read it. Even though it’s over one hundred years old, the themes it raises are very relevant to us today and should spark a lot of discussion.
The Awakening is remembered as an early feminist work. When Chopin
No longer content to remain in her traditional role, Edna awakens to a desire to live as she feels inside and finds it impossible to conceal her innermost passions from the world. But her desires conflict with the conventions of society. Women have come a long way since then, but we can still relate to how Edna feels and the obstacles she faces.
The Awakening is remembered as an early feminist work. When Chopin
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published it, its subject was so radical that the book was denounced and the author was shunned by both readers and publishers. It is about a young wife and mother, Edna Pontellier, who finds herself changing during a pivotal summer at the Grand Isle resort in Louisiana.No longer content to remain in her traditional role, Edna awakens to a desire to live as she feels inside and finds it impossible to conceal her innermost passions from the world. But her desires conflict with the conventions of society. Women have come a long way since then, but we can still relate to how Edna feels and the obstacles she faces.
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LibraryThing member Birdo82
A milestone for feminism and realism, Chopin's masterpiece is as relevant today as it was over a century ago.
LibraryThing member weird_O
I want to report that I finished [The Awakening] by [[Kate Chopin]].
Published in 1899, the novel roused quite a bit of shock, horror, righteous scolding, and that whole brouhaha. The story of a young married woman with children who tires of society's stifling customs, routines, and rules, who
After its initial publication, The Awakening went out of print and was forgotten. In the 1950s (I think) it was reprinted and emerged as a respected novel.
The author, Kate Chopin, was Irish-American, born as Katherine O'Flaherty. She married a Creole businessman and settled with him in Louisiana (the setting of The Awakening). Mr. Chopin's cotton brokerage failed. Upon his death, his widow and six children were saddled with considerable debt. She turned to writing.
The Awakening is a low-key, exquisitely written, and only 130 pages long. Chopin tackles the issues and ideas that fuel the novels of Edith Wharton, Theodore Dreiser, Henry James, and other turn-of-the-century writers. She does very well.
Published in 1899, the novel roused quite a bit of shock, horror, righteous scolding, and that whole brouhaha. The story of a young married woman with children who tires of society's stifling customs, routines, and rules, who
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discovers her diligent, respectable, responsible, and seemingly loving husband is...well...kind of boring, and who awakens to the sensual pleasures of music, art, and, yes, physical love. It doesn't end well for her.After its initial publication, The Awakening went out of print and was forgotten. In the 1950s (I think) it was reprinted and emerged as a respected novel.
The author, Kate Chopin, was Irish-American, born as Katherine O'Flaherty. She married a Creole businessman and settled with him in Louisiana (the setting of The Awakening). Mr. Chopin's cotton brokerage failed. Upon his death, his widow and six children were saddled with considerable debt. She turned to writing.
The Awakening is a low-key, exquisitely written, and only 130 pages long. Chopin tackles the issues and ideas that fuel the novels of Edith Wharton, Theodore Dreiser, Henry James, and other turn-of-the-century writers. She does very well.
Show Less
LibraryThing member julierh
a perfect story
Original publication date
1899
Physical description
8.43 inches
ISBN
0140390227 / 9780140390223
Local notes
Fiction
Other editions
The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin (Paperback)