Product Description

The second edition of this important canonical text is again based in the 1899 edition. The "Criticism" section has been greatly expanded to include more feminist appraisals, and a chronology has been added.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #219405 in Books
• Published on: 1994-01-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Customer Reviews

A Godsend to students of the text
Falling somewhere between a long short story and a short novel at 110 pages long, 'The Awakening' manages to tell the complex tale of one woman's self-discovery in a very simple and eminently readable way. Edna's means of escape from her mundane marriage, her affairs and her eventual suicide, may be reminiscent of the plot to Madame Bovary but there the similarities would seem to end. For Chopin does not share Flaubert's grim dedcation to reality. The physical landscapes of Edna's world in light of her new found elation are so evocatively related that the novel takes on a beautiful, almost cinematic, feel. Yet Chopin's characters are also realistic. Monsieur Pontellier in particular is delightfully well drawn, and there are many moments of astute social humour to be found in this novel. This edition would be of particular help to those studying the text as it contains a large selection of critical analysis as well as contemporary newspaper reviews. It also includes period fashion plates, a discussion on the merits of the Creole lady and numerous other articles that together give a better understanding of the Edna's actions in their cultural and historical context. The Victorian guide to etiquette is fascinating reading in its own right.

poorly written, poorly recieved
this novel, since the 70s, seems to be hailed as one of the first novels to highlight a female's plight in southern america. In truth it does no such thing. The simplest way to regard this novel is as a self indulgent rant on the part of the author. All the characters, perhaps with the exception of edna, are two dimensional with no real feeling or emotion. Edna herself at times feels wooden and contrived. In turn there is no feeling of either context or situation, despite the fact that this is what Chopin had previously been lauded for. In truth this novella is an utter waste of money and any person who reads it believing it highlights the plight of females in the 19th centuary are going to be sadly disappointed...