Kate Chopin was an American author of short stories and novels based in Louisiana. Her work was considered controversial at the time for its frankness about sexuality and its exploration of female desire and independence. She is considered a forerunner of 20th-century feminist authors.
Chopin was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1850. She was of French descent and grew up speaking French as her first language. She married Oscar Chopin, a cotton planter from New Orleans, and had six children.
Also Read: Kate Chopin's Short Biography
After her husband's death in 1879, she moved back to St. Louis and began writing short stories. Her first story, "Athenais," was published in 1890.
Chopin's stories were often about the lives of women in the American South. She wrote about their struggles with poverty, loneliness, and unfulfilled dreams. Her stories were also known for their frankness about sexuality.
Chopin's most famous story is "The Story of an Hour" (1894). The story tells the tale of a woman who is overjoyed to learn of her husband's death, only to die of a heart attack shortly after. The story was considered controversial at the time for its exploration of female desire and independence.
Here is a list of 10 of her most famous books and short stories:
Bayou Folk (1894): A collection of short stories set in Louisiana. The stories explore the lives of Creoles and Cajuns, and they often deal with themes of female desire and independence.
The Awakening (1899): A novel about a woman who rebels against the conventions of her time and pursues her own happiness. The novel was considered controversial at the time for its frankness about sexuality.
The Storm (1900): A short story about a young woman who has an affair with a married man. The story was considered controversial at the time for its depiction of adultery.
A Night in Acadie (1901): A collection of short stories set in Louisiana. The stories explore the lives of Creoles and Cajuns, and they often deal with themes of love and loss.
Desiree's Baby (1893): A short story about a mixed-race child who is rejected by his family. The story was considered controversial at the time for its depiction of miscegenation.
A Pair of Silk Stockings (1897): A short story about a young woman who buys a pair of silk stockings and experiences a sense of freedom and empowerment.
At the 'Cadian Ball (1897): A short story about a young woman who falls in love with a man from a different social class.
The Kiss (1897): A short story about a married woman who is kissed by another man. The story was considered controversial at the time for its depiction of adultery.
The Unexpected (1901): A short story about a young woman who is forced to choose between her husband and her lover.
The Complete Works of Kate Chopin (1969): A collection of all of Chopin's published works, including short stories, novels, and essays. This was released posthumously.