The works of European writers, her family background, and regional geography has had an obvious influence in Kate Chopin’s major works as well as her life experiences. Chopin, whose fame came years after her death, was once described as “A woman ahead of her time” (“Kate”1-2). Her major works included short stories, children stories, and two novels (“Kate” 2).

Chopin was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 8, 1850, to the parents of Thomas and Eliza O’Flaherty. Because of Chopin’s parents being of rich European background, as well as her ability to speak fluent French and German, she had a form of writing known as bicultural (Koloski 9-10). Raised in a Catholic private school, Chopin laid the foundation of her writing skills at an early age (Kimbel 90). Among her early literary influences were the nuns from the school she attended. As one critic points out, ”The nuns taught Kate to live a life of the mind as well as the life of the home” (“Kate” 3). As Chopin grew older, she was exposed to the works of the popular French author Guy de Maupassant. Both of these authors have been critically compared because of their strong similarities in style and structure (Ki

As a young author, Chopin’s half brother, George, was sent to serve in war. While at war, George contracted a serious case of typhoid fever that turned out to be deadly. Tragically, Chopin’s Grandmother died soon after George’s death, resulting in Chopin suffering from severe depression. The family’s friend and physician suggested that Chopin write her ideas as a way to better cope with the overwhelming feelings she was experiencing (Unger 205-206). The doctor’s advice proved to be extremely helpful with her recovery from depression as well as refining Chopin’s abilities as a writer (Unger 200).

Chopin wrote two novels, The Fault and The Awakening within her career. Of these two novels The Awakening received the most attention by critics. Chopin addressed love, passion, marriage, and sex in what was then a daring and unheard of form of writing. She received much negative criticism for her attention to such private emotions, as it was considered being too explicit and unproper (Kimbel 95). Some critics say that her novel was taken off the library shelves and she was not allowed into certain Louisiana social groups (“The Biography” NP). Other critics argue the contrary that her rejection was not to that extreme. In spite of such criticism, The Awakening has become a source of inspiration for women even to this day. Chopin’s work is appealing to all ages, not only women. Half of the stories in B

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