Breaking the BarrierInspiration comes from anywhere or anything. Kate Chopin, born at a time when men were considered superior, “rose beyond the level of tradition and prejudice” through her books and short stories that challenged this norm (Chopin 217). As Chopin once said, “the artist must possess a courageous soul that dares and challenges” (Chopin 165). The best examples of this style of writing are her book and short stories L'Éveil, “The Story of an Hour” and “Désirée's Baby”. .” These books share Kate Chopin's passion for feminism and her views on gender roles and equality. I will analyze Kate Chopin's style and literary strategies and explain how society had an effect on women's change throughout the 19th century. A great example of Chopin's literary style is his literary style. The book The Awakening, published in 1899, immediately caused controversy. Critics were shocked by its depiction of a woman with active sexual desires, who dares to leave her husband and have an affair with Kate Chopin. publication of his novel. Its main character, Edna, begins to question marriage and describes it as "one of the most lamentable spectacles in the world" (Chopin 70). This “awakening” happened when she met Robert, the eldest son of. Madame Lebrun. At first, the relationship between Edna and Robert is naive. They mainly talk by the beach and swim. However, over time, Edna becomes closer to Robert. paint as she did in her youth. Robert helps her realize her independence and her sexuality. Chopin uses Edna's childhood memories, her immersion in the sea and birds as symbols of Edna's rebirth...... middle of paper ......ster which results when she loses her love and he refuses to talk to her. Laughter is not an expression of happiness, but rather of despair and disbelief, as well as some emotional instability due to her discovery - which drives her to suicide. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. Awakening. Chicago and New York: Herbert S. Stone & Co., 1899. Chopin, Kate. (1969). The Complete Works of Kate Chopin. Ed. By Seyersted. Baton Rough: Louisiana State University Press. pp.18, 96.Emmert, Scott D. "Naturalism and the Short Story Form in Kate Chopin's 'The Story of an Hour'." Scribbling women and the form of the short story: approaches from American and British women writers. 74-85. New York, NY: Peter Lang, 2008. Wang, Bella. Kissel, Adam ed. "Study Guide to Kate Chopin's Short Stories: Summary and Analysis of "Désirée's Baby"". GradeSaver, February 21, 2010 Web. April 4 2014.