Kate Chopin's second and final novel, The Awakening, was published in 1899 at the height of her popularity. Ironically, this work, now regarded as a classic, essentially marked the end of Chopin's writing career. The Awakening has now earned a place in the literary canon for the way it uses these formal and structural techniques to explore themes of marriage, motherhood and woman's independence, desire, and sexuality. In my opinion all these issues are best seen …showed first 75 words of 991 total…

…showed last 75 words of 991 total…live with herself, independent from a man and from excuses that relieve her of responsibility for her life. Edna seems to believe, in the end, that her escape can only be through death. After reading "The Awakening" I can only say that I perceive this novel as a superb example of a new woman. Chopin's book captures the essence of the struggle for freedom, equality and independence of a woman. I really enjoyed reading it.