The Awakening (Norton Critical Editions)
by Kate Chopin
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Book Summary Information
Author: Kate ChopinEditor: Margo Culley
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1993-09-17
ISBN: 0393960579
Number of pages: 336
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Book Reviews of The Awakening (Norton Critical Editions)
Book Review: Beautifully written
Summary: 5 Stars
This was beautiful; the kind of book that makes you realize just how much more powerful fiction is when there is so much you cannot say and have to use every creative fiber to express yourself. I'd heard all kinds of things about The Awakening before reading it, since it was controversial at the time of publication in 1899 and has been elevated to a cult classic of sorts. It's even more stunning when you realize WHY it was so controversial. Since the synopsis indicates that it's about a married woman who desires another, younger man she meets at a summer resort, I thought it would be along the lines of Lawrence - and The Awakening is often spoken of in the same breath as Lady Chatterley's Lover - and there would be all the imagery and language issues you'd assume would come with a story like this and that association, but that's not it at all. There's not a single forbidden word or scandalous passage. It's more like a long dream sequence or a Bronte poem, so beautifully told it's like music for the heart and eyes. That sounds trite but I truly was moved by Chopin's sparing and lyrical use of language. That kind of artistry is a reminder of why I love reading. There are so many poor and mediocre books out there that I almost forget sometimes what it's like to experience the joy of truly brilliant writing.
Edna's attraction to Robert may be the catalyst - the `awakening' of the title - but actually just marks the dawning of a new overall awareness in herself, and it becomes much more complex than the mere appeal of another man. Rather, she comes to realize that she is not fully living life; that she's not entirely sure who she is, and feels stifled by society and its expectations. She has an intense, painful longing to free herself. The fact that the discontent of a fictional female character was such a topic of scandal is, to me, the most telling. Obviously nobody in those days wanted to hear, even in fiction, that a privileged wife and mother might be dissatisfied with her life and want more; that she might harbor passions and undercurrents of feeling not befitting a proper lady of society, and that she might actually attempt to discard what is false or unsatisfying and be true to herself.
I disliked the way it ended, which I won't give away. I see why the author took it there, I suppose. It's worth noting, too, that Kate Chopin had up to that point been a fairly distinguished writer in American literary circles, but was figuratively cast out after the publication of this book and died in near-poverty and obscurity. It was apparently a topic the masses just weren't ready for at the time.
Summary of The Awakening (Norton Critical Editions)
This Second Edition of a perennial favorite in the Norton Critical Edition series represents an extensive revision of its predecessor. The text is that of the first edition of the novel, published by Herbert S. Stone in 1899. It has been annotated by the editor and includes translations of French phrases and information about New Orleans locales, customs, and lore, the Bayou region, and Creole culture. "Bibliographical and Historical Contexts", expanded and introduced by a new Editor?s Note, presents biographical, historical, and cultural documents contemporary with the novel?s publication. Included are a biographical essay by the acclaimed Chopin biographer Emily Toth, "An Etiquette/Advice Book Sampler" with selections from the conduct books of the period in which Chopin lived and wrote, and period fashion plates from Harper?s Bazar. A comprehensive "Criticism" section, introduced by a new Editor?s Note, contains expanded selections from hard-to-find contemporary reviews of the novel; two letters of mysterious origin written in response to the novel; and Chopin?s "Retraction," which followed The Awakening?s negative reception. These are followed by twenty-seven interpretive essays, twelve of them new to the Second Edition, that provide a variety of perspectives on The Awakening, including essays by Cynthia Griffin Wolff, Nancy Walker, Elizabeth Fox-Genovese, Paula A. Treichler, Sandra M. Gilbert, Lee R. Edwards, Patricia S. Yaeger, Elizabeth Ammons, and Elaine Showalter. A Chronology of Chopin?s life and an updated Selected Bibliography are also included. .Chopin, Kate Books
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