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A review by evaeyre
The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Awakening - an absolutely wonderful work, which dives deep into the concept of a woman's independence, and her ability to do as she wishes, despite society's contrary expectations. I liked Edna Pontellier immensely despite, or perhaps because of her conflicting character, and her ever developing character -- going from a woman meek and shy beneath the spotlight of society to a strong, independent, and decided lady. I highlighted so many different lines and found the writing so lovely, and found it reminiscent of Virginia Woolf's writing, especially To The Lighthouse!
Emancipation - A life Fable - an interesting little story that I quite enjoyed despite its shortness. It makes me think a lot, especially about the idea that one raised in a cage notices nothing wrong, and fears the outside.
The 'Cadian Ball - A story that didn't hold much meaning to me, though it is an interesting view into said time in North America -- likely the Acadian diaspora in Louisiana given The Awakening was in New Orleans -- as well as some insight into the lives and treatment of other races and minorities such as African Americans and Spanish folk, by the white majority.
Desiree's Baby - A conflicting and sad story that really reflects this period's harshness against people who are not white. I feel extremely sad for Desiree especially, for being condemned and revoked of the love of a man who once gave her all the love in the world, for something that should not be criticized, nor can it be controlled -- especially because of the ending's plot twist that it was actually Armand himself who was mixed. It's terrible and lamentful, that something as commonplace and simple as race could cause such an abhorrent reaction back then.
La Belle Zoraide: Another story where we are present witnesses to the villainy of racism -- my heart aches terribly for Zoraide, her baby, and the man she loved. It's so terrible to think people could be so afflicted by someone else's race, as to ruin their whole life in a design to 'fix' them.
At Cheniere Caminada - a small but emotional story about the pangs of love and what they can do to someone who has fallen hopelessly in love with someone they cannot have -- I really liked it, despite its shortness!
The Story of An Hour - another short story, this time a little similar in the prospect of one's freedom from the weight of another's control and expectations -- I found it really interesting despite its length, especially Chopin's choice in having Louise die at the end! Perhaps she acquired her freedom in another sense?
Lilacs — a first heartwarming and then sorrowful story! I will admit i’m not entirely sure of its general meaning, though it seems to have connection to how some religions view the world, but all in all i think it’s very understandable for Adrienne to want to have some reprieve and refreshment away from the bustle of the active, urban world, and to return to the peacefulness and serenity of a childhood safe space -- and to banish her from that for such a frivolous reason as not being the same as the nuns or, i assume, something pious of the sort, due to her liveliness and wild nature, living a more 'worldly' life, is too sad!
Athenaise - a story about another independent young woman that I felt conflicted about, as there are so many ways to interpret it -- on one hand, it is sweet in the sense of Athenaise seeming to learn more about herself and her own soul through her experiences, but also somewhat bittersweet, the strain of her flighty manner and childishness on all of her relationships. She returns to her husband of her own will, it seems, after recognizing the love buried within her bosom, and I do hope that it really is love -- for it would be terrible for the both of them if another rift in their relationship occurred, where they did not rejoin after some reprieve. But really, it is dramatic, and yet all relationships are like this in some extent, with their major highs and lows in the process of loving someone.
A Pair of Silk Stockings - a story really about the sheer difference of even a small sum of money for a person living a much less lavish life than those typical of the period -- and the timeless fact of temptations and enjoyment born anew, that follow in succession. It sort of makes me think of a light in the dark, that will burn for a moment, flicker, and then dim to darkness once again.
Nég Créol — so utterly sad!
Elizabeth Stock's One Story - a brief story where you can't help but feel for the protagonist and her endeavors! so sad!
The Storm - a not so great sequel to The 'Cadian Ball that is simply about cheating on one's lover during a storm...
Emancipation - A life Fable - an interesting little story that I quite enjoyed despite its shortness. It makes me think a lot, especially about the idea that one raised in a cage notices nothing wrong, and fears the outside.
The 'Cadian Ball - A story that didn't hold much meaning to me, though it is an interesting view into said time in North America -- likely the Acadian diaspora in Louisiana given The Awakening was in New Orleans -- as well as some insight into the lives and treatment of other races and minorities such as African Americans and Spanish folk, by the white majority.
Desiree's Baby - A conflicting and sad story that really reflects this period's harshness against people who are not white. I feel extremely sad for Desiree especially, for being condemned and revoked of the love of a man who once gave her all the love in the world, for something that should not be criticized, nor can it be controlled -- especially because of the ending's plot twist that it was actually Armand himself who was mixed. It's terrible and lamentful, that something as commonplace and simple as race could cause such an abhorrent reaction back then.
La Belle Zoraide: Another story where we are present witnesses to the villainy of racism -- my heart aches terribly for Zoraide, her baby, and the man she loved. It's so terrible to think people could be so afflicted by someone else's race, as to ruin their whole life in a design to 'fix' them.
At Cheniere Caminada - a small but emotional story about the pangs of love and what they can do to someone who has fallen hopelessly in love with someone they cannot have -- I really liked it, despite its shortness!
The Story of An Hour - another short story, this time a little similar in the prospect of one's freedom from the weight of another's control and expectations -- I found it really interesting despite its length, especially Chopin's choice in having Louise die at the end! Perhaps she acquired her freedom in another sense?
Lilacs — a first heartwarming and then sorrowful story! I will admit i’m not entirely sure of its general meaning, though it seems to have connection to how some religions view the world, but all in all i think it’s very understandable for Adrienne to want to have some reprieve and refreshment away from the bustle of the active, urban world, and to return to the peacefulness and serenity of a childhood safe space -- and to banish her from that for such a frivolous reason as not being the same as the nuns or, i assume, something pious of the sort, due to her liveliness and wild nature, living a more 'worldly' life, is too sad!
Athenaise - a story about another independent young woman that I felt conflicted about, as there are so many ways to interpret it -- on one hand, it is sweet in the sense of Athenaise seeming to learn more about herself and her own soul through her experiences, but also somewhat bittersweet, the strain of her flighty manner and childishness on all of her relationships. She returns to her husband of her own will, it seems, after recognizing the love buried within her bosom, and I do hope that it really is love -- for it would be terrible for the both of them if another rift in their relationship occurred, where they did not rejoin after some reprieve. But really, it is dramatic, and yet all relationships are like this in some extent, with their major highs and lows in the process of loving someone.
A Pair of Silk Stockings - a story really about the sheer difference of even a small sum of money for a person living a much less lavish life than those typical of the period -- and the timeless fact of temptations and enjoyment born anew, that follow in succession. It sort of makes me think of a light in the dark, that will burn for a moment, flicker, and then dim to darkness once again.
Nég Créol — so utterly sad!
Elizabeth Stock's One Story - a brief story where you can't help but feel for the protagonist and her endeavors! so sad!
The Storm - a not so great sequel to The 'Cadian Ball that is simply about cheating on one's lover during a storm...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Racism, and Slavery