1. Kate Chopin By: Kari Ussery English 2205 American Literature from 1865 to Present June 28 th, 2012

2. Who is Kate Chopin? American author 1850 – 1904; passing away at the age of 54 Published two novels plus many short stories Most famous piece was called The Awakening Known to be the first feminist writer during this time http://www.mibba.com/Articles/Biographies/1849/K ate-Chopin-Writing-Style/

3. Kate Chopin’s Childhood Born in St. Louis, Missouri Lived a traumatic early life Father killed in 1855 Passing away of great-grandmother Family had slaves in house Brother died in 1863 Attended the St. Louis Academy of the Sacred Heart Inspired by the important women in her childhood

4. The Adult Years of Chopin Married Oscar Chopin in 1870 Cotton factory Strong passion for music and theatre Moved to Cloutierville, Louisiana Had a total of six children Oscar died in 1882 Moved to St. Louis

5. http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/caneriver/cho.htm

6. The Cloutierville House According to NPS, “The Kate Chopin House was the Cane River home of author Kate Chopin and her husband Oscar. Her experiences here led her to record the history, folklore, and lifestyles of the people of the Cane River area” (3). Bayou Folk Museum Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) Burned down in October 2008

7. Time Period During Kate’s Career Two wars American Indian War Philippine-American War Newly introduced inventions Fun fact – some inventions of the 1800s were: dishwasher, bunsen burner, telephone, toilet paper, escalator and typewriter (4). http://www.ehow.com/list_7356248_inventions- were-made-1800s_.html

8. Highlights of Kate’s Career.. Realist author Two famous novels: At Fault and The Awakening Short novels Inspiration to many women

9. Summary Kate was a woman ahead of her time. She grew up in a time period where white men were at the top of the totem pole. Also, many new inventions were introduced; society was drastically changing. Kate lived an overall tough life. At Fault and The Awakening are a couple of her most famous pieces. She was an honest and outspoken lady that motivated many women to speak up and speak out.

10. Sources (1) Toth, Emily. "Kate Chopin 'The Story of an Hour': Questions and answers about 'The Story of an Hour.'" KateChopin.org. Kate Chopin International Society, 25 June 2012. Web. 1 May 2012. (2) Mibba: Creative Writing. 25 June 2012. http://www.mibba.com/Articles/Biographies/1849/Kate-Chopin- Writing-Style/ http://www.mibba.com/Articles/Biographies/1849/Kate-Chopin- Writing-Style/ (3) http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/caneriver/cho.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/caneriver/cho.htm (4) http://www.ehow.com/list_7356248_inventions-were-made- 1800s_.htmlhttp://www.ehow.com/list_7356248_inventions-were-made- 1800s_.html