Kate Chopin: A Feminist Before Her Time

Kate Chopin, born Katherine O’Flaherty, February 8, 1851, is one of the most noted feminist writers in history.  In her life time she was able to write and publish almost 100 short stories, and 2 major novels.  All of her writings have deep roots in her ideals of the rights of women.  Most of Chopin’s characters are oppressed in some way, whether it is by their social standing or limited rights as women.  Her arguments helped to shed new light on very touchy problems of her time.  Chopin’s works were highly regarded by the public in the mid 1800’s.  Her short stories were published in such magazines as Vogue and Century, but shortly after her death on August 22, 1904 her works fell from the limelight.  This was the case until 1969 when many scholars joined together to revive the works of Kate Chopin.  The revival was so successful that now Chopin’s works can be found in libraries, on college campuses, and all over the world.

"Kate Chopin: A Re Awakening." PBS. PBS. Web. 19 Feb. 2012.

 <http://www.pbs.org/katechopin/program.html>.

"The Role of the Wife and Mother." Kate Chopin. Loyola University, 01 Jan. 2009. Web. 19 Feb. 2012.

                <http://www.loyno.edu/~kchopin/new/women/motherhood.html>.

"Kate Chopin Biography." Biography, Kate Chopin, The Awakening, The Storm, Stories. Kate Chopin

                International Society. Web. 19 Feb. 2012. <http://www.katechopin.org/biography.shtml>.

Written By Sarah Settgast