The Awakening and Selected Stories (Penguin Classics)
Kate Chopin's groundbreaking depiction of a woman who dares to defy the expectations of society in the pursuit of her desire
When The Awakening 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, it is widely regarded as Kate Chopin's great achievement. 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.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
When The Awakening 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, it is widely regarded as Kate Chopin's great achievement. 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.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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Community Reviews
“’ The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong winds. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.’”
I first "read" this book in my AP Literature class. The only thing I could remember is the last chapter. Now reading this for women and literature class, I've found a new appreciation for Kate and Edna. I fully enjoy how Kate uses symbolism and imagery to further Edna’s story and her awakening. I found myself feeling empathy for a fictional woman from the nineteenth century. I put myself in Edna’s shoes and understand her pain. I understood Edna’s feelings and behavior. I couldn’t imagine living in a time when I wasn’t socially allowed to be myself, independent, or free. It was only when Edna saw she had a choice to not have a choice when she, in the spur of the moment, decided her fate. I don’t think Edna was a coward when she commits suicide. It was brave of her either. She finally had a choice that wouldn’t hurt her standing in society.
I first "read" this book in my AP Literature class. The only thing I could remember is the last chapter. Now reading this for women and literature class, I've found a new appreciation for Kate and Edna. I fully enjoy how Kate uses symbolism and imagery to further Edna’s story and her awakening. I found myself feeling empathy for a fictional woman from the nineteenth century. I put myself in Edna’s shoes and understand her pain. I understood Edna’s feelings and behavior. I couldn’t imagine living in a time when I wasn’t socially allowed to be myself, independent, or free. It was only when Edna saw she had a choice to not have a choice when she, in the spur of the moment, decided her fate. I don’t think Edna was a coward when she commits suicide. It was brave of her either. She finally had a choice that wouldn’t hurt her standing in society.
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