WOMEN AND LITERATURE A brief journey with Kate

WOMEN AND LITERATURE A brief journey with Kate Chopin

BIOGRAPHY Kate Chopin 1851 -1904 Born Katherine O'Flaherty Widowed with six children, Chopin began writing to support them Known for her portrayals of Creole life in Louisiana Stories delved into societal rules for females and the female psyche

NOVELLA: The Awakening A tragic portrayal of a young woman who “awakens” to find herself bound by society’s rules Written in 1899 The story that cut Chopin’s writing career short due to literary and public criticism Often considered one of the first “feminist” books

SHORT STORY: “The Storm” While a young woman’s husband is away, a lightening storm abounds outside. Inside, a storm also rages; this one of passion.

SHORT STORY: “A Pair of Silk Stockings” Finding the treasure of fifteen dollars and an afternoon to herself, Mrs. Sommers remembers what life was like before marriage and a family.

POPULARITY GRAPH IN % Early to late 1890’s: Chopin’s writing popularity is strong. 1899: The Awakening was published and Chopin was hugely condemned, ending her writing career and popularity. 1960’s: Over fifty years after her death, Chopin’s work is rediscovered and gains acclaim. Today she is considered one of the greatest women authors.

ADDITIONAL SITES Online Text for The Awakening (hyperlink) Online Text for “Story of an Hour” (hyperlink) More Information (hyperlink)

REFERENCES Kate Chopin. (2003) Retrieved November 2, 2003, from www. womenwriters. net/domesticgoddess/chopin 1. htm Graphic Sources: Slide 2. ) http: //empirezine. co. . . tlight/chopin 1. htm Slide 3. ) http: //peacefulphotos. com/Spring. htm Slide 4. ) http: //pro. corbis. com/search. Frame. asp Slide 5. ) http: //www. animationlibrary. com/a-l/ Hit “Esc” to End Show