Critically acclaimed as Kate Chopin’s most influential work of fiction, The Awakening has assumed a place in the American literary canon. This new edition places the novel in the context of the cultural and regional influences that shape Chopin’s narrative. With extensive contemporary readings that examine historical events, including the hurricanes that frequently disrupt life in Louisiana, this edition will contextualize The Awakening for a new generation of readers. Comments “This edition of Chopin’s masterpiece contextualizes her work in a way that creates endless possibilities for teachers and students. From Chopin’s other stories and personal writings to her poetry and non-fiction; from contemporary responses to her work in the popular press to the intellectual legacy she was drawing upon in her writing; from the etiquette guides of the era to accounts of its great hurricane to period sketches of New Orleans social history, all of this together combines to situate The Awakening in a kaleidoscopic set of intellectual and cultural frameworks. For the classroom, a treasure—I can’t imagine using any other edition.” — T. R. Johnson, Tulane University “This is the most richly comprehensive and contextualized edition of Chopin’s novel to date. The extensive introduction not only situates the novel in this era of the New Woman, but also clarifies problematic regional terms such as ‘Creole.’ This edition illuminates the local and national settings of Chopin’s novel for a new generation of readers. Kudos to Broadview and these editors, who have provided a valuable service for scholars and students of southern and women’s literature. I will definitely be using this text in my own classroom and for my own research.” — Mary Ann Wilson, University of Louisiana at Lafayette “The introduction sets the stage for using the text in either literature or women’s studies classes by describing not only Kate Chopin’s work but also the setting in America that existed during her lifetime. There are clear explanations of the issues of race and gender in Louisiana and the South in general. The notes are also excellent, adding another dimension to the text. I am eagerly anticipating introducing this edition to my students.” — Theresa Flowers, University of North Texas
