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The Awakening

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1899

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Book Brief

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Kate Chopin

The Awakening

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1899
Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1890s

Publication Year

1899

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Awakening by Kate Chopin outlines the journey of Edna Pontellier, a woman vacationing at Grand Isle in 1890s Louisiana, who begins to embrace her independence and desires, influenced by her relationships with friends and the attentions of Robert Lebrun. This process of self-discovery continues when she returns to New Orleans, increasingly rejecting societal roles of wife and mother, ultimately facing a profound internal conflict about her freedom and responsibilities. The book includes sensitive topics like infidelity, mental health struggles, and self-harm.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.9

220,146 ratings

61%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kate Chopin’s The Awakening is celebrated for its pioneering exploration of female independence and sexuality. Praised for its lyrical prose and depth, some readers find its main character's decisions controversial and unsettling. While seen as ahead of its time by many, others criticize it for promoting values they view as morally questionable. Overall, it's a provocative and influential novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Awakening?

An ideal reader for The Awakening by Kate Chopin enjoys exploring themes of female independence, self-discovery, and societal constraints. This reader appreciates literary classics such as Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper, which also delve into women's inner lives and societal roles.

3.9

220,146 ratings

61%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Character List

Edna Pontellier

The protagonist and a 28-year-old mother of two, who spends her family vacation at Grand Isle, leading to her growing self-awareness and quest for independence.

Edna's 40-year-old husband, an affluent New Orleans businessman who is more concerned with social appearances than his wife's emotional needs.

A charismatic 26-year-old who falls in love with Edna during the summer, known for his mock romances with unattainable women.

Edna’s close friend and the epitome of Victorian womanhood, who prioritizes her family and domestic duties over personal independence.

A gifted pianist who exemplifies independence and becomes a role model for Edna, albeit a solitary one.

A charming and seductive man known for his affairs, who becomes Edna’s lover while her husband is away.

The Pontelliers' insightful family physician who suspects Edna’s emotional conflicts and offers her support.

Edna’s father and a retired Confederate officer, who believes in strict control in marriage.

An elderly vacationer at Grand Isle, embodying solitude and self-denial as a widow.

A young couple whose societal-approved romance contrasts with the passionless marriages depicted in the story.

Adèle’s husband, an affluent pharmacist.

The widow and mother of Robert and Victor, who owns the cottages at Grand Isle.

Robert's younger brother, known for his spoiled demeanor and popularity with women.

A flirtatious young Spanish girl on Grand Isle, attracted to the Lebrun brothers.

Edna and Léonce’s young sons, aged 4 and 5.

Edna's sisters; Janet is getting married, and Margaret raised Edna and Janet after their mother's death.

14-year-old girls who play the piano for guests on Grand Isle, symbolizing traditional expectations for girlhood.

A beautiful woman in her forties who spends time in New Orleans social circles, particularly with single men like Arobin.

A local woman on the island of Chênière Caminada who cares for Edna when she feels unwell during a church service.

Guests at an elaborate dinner party hosted by Edna to celebrate her moving into the “pigeon” house.

Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Louisiana • 1890s

Publication Year

1899

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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