Kate Chopin
Born in 1850
Fiction
Kate Chopin was an American author born in St. Louis in the mid-19th century.
After marrying and moving to New Orleans, she began writing following her husband's death, publishing her first poem in 1889.
Chopin's masterpiece, The Awakening, was published in 1899 and initially faced harsh criticism for its frank treatment of sexual themes.
The novel was rediscovered in the 1960s and has since become a standard in American literature.
Chopin's short stories, collected in Bayou Folk and A Night in Acadie, often focused on Cajun and Creole life.
Her work is now appreciated for its sophistication and artistry in exploring themes of female independence and sexuality.
