The Awakening and Selected Short Stories

Focusing on feminine resistance, Chopin's stories evolve from overt defiance to more subtle forms of challenging patriarchal norms. Early characters face dismissal or madness, while later ones employ covert strategies to undermine male discourse. The protagonist of The Awakening exemplifies this shift, exploring themes of sexual desire and marital infidelity, ultimately questioning societal expectations of women. Initially banned and forgotten, this novel has gained recognition as a staple in American literature courses, highlighting its enduring relevance and impact.