- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
The Awakening & Other Stories
About this book
"The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander."
In the stifling heat of a Grand Isle summer, Edna Pontellier begins to realize that she is "seeing the world as one looks at a picture, without being part of it." The Awakening follows Edna's journey as she casts off the expectations of her role as a "mother-woman" in 19th-century New Orleans. What starts as a spiritual restlessness evolves into a total rebellion against the social and domestic cages of her era. Alongside Chopin's famous short stories—like the tragic "Désirée's Baby" and the shocking "The Story of an Hour"—this collection examines the high cost of freedom and the complexity of the human heart with a psychological depth that was decades ahead of its time.
Chopin's writing is famously atmospheric. She uses the imagery of the Gulf Coast—the rhythmic waves, the scent of jasmine, and the oppressive heat—to mirror Edna's internal state. The sea, in particular, acts as a powerful symbol of both liberation and danger, representing the vast, uncharted territory of Edna's own soul.
The novel presents a fascinating character study through three different women: Edna (the seeker), Adèle Ratignolle (the idealized "mother-woman"), and Mademoiselle Reisz (the independent, albeit lonely, artist). Their interactions create a brilliant dialogue about the limited paths available to women at the turn of the century.
When first published, The Awakening was met with such scandal that it effectively ended Chopin's career. Today, it is celebrated as a masterpiece of the "New Woman" movement. It remains a poignant, beautiful, and hauntingly relevant look at the struggle to balance personal fulfillment with social responsibility.
Experience the birth of modern identity. Purchase "The Awakening & Other Stories" today.
Trusted by 375,005 students
Access to over 1.5 million titles for a fair monthly price.
Study more efficiently using our study tools.
Information
Subtopic
ClassicsIndex
LiteratureTable of contents
- The Awakening & Other Short Stories
- Part 1 The Awakening
- Part 2 Beyond the Bayou
- Part 3 Ma'ame Pelagie
- Part 4 Desiree's Baby
- Part 5 A Respectable Woman
- Part 6 The Kiss
- Part 7 A Pair of Silk Stockings
- Part 8 The Locket
- Part 9 A Reflection
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cancel anytime from the Subscription tab in your account settings on the Perlego website. Your subscription will stay active until the end of your current billing period. Learn how to cancel your subscription
No, books cannot be downloaded as external files, such as PDFs, for use outside of Perlego. However, you can download books within the Perlego app for offline reading on mobile or tablet. Learn how to download books offline
Perlego offers two plans: Essential and Complete
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.5M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
We are an online textbook subscription service, where you can get access to an entire online library for less than the price of a single book per month. With over 1.5 million books across 990+ topics, we’ve got you covered! Learn about our mission
Look out for the read-aloud symbol on your next book to see if you can listen to it. The read-aloud tool reads text aloud for you, highlighting the text as it is being read. You can pause it, speed it up and slow it down. Learn more about Read Aloud
Yes! You can use the Perlego app on both iOS and Android devices to read anytime, anywhere — even offline. Perfect for commutes or when you’re on the go.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Yes, you can access The Awakening & Other Stories by Kate Chopin in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Literature & Classics. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.