Kate Chopin A woman Ahead of Her Time (1850~1904) “Perhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer; than to remain a dupe to illusions all one’s life.” Kate Chopin(1850~1904) Work Short story The story of an Hour Novel The Awakening Theme • women's search for self-discovery or identity. • women's revolt against gender conformity or against social norms that limit women's possibilities in life. • women's understanding of feminine sexuality or women's experience of motherhood, pregnancy, or childbirth. The story of an Hour 3→ She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance. 4 → facing the open window, a comfortable, roomy armchair 5 → Trees were all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain. A peddler was crying his wares. A distant song reached her faintly. Countless sparrows were twittering. 6 → There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other. 8 → She was young, with a calm face, whose lines bespoke repression. But now there was a dull stare in her eyes, whose gaze was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought. 11 → She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!" There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. 13 → She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death; the face that had never looked save with love upon her. 21 → Someone was opening the front door with a latchkey. It was Brently Mallard who entered. 23 → When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease--of the joy that kills. American women’s status in 19th century Enjoyed few of the legal, social, or political rights. Remained subservient to their fathers and husbands. Limited control over personal property after marriage. Barred from higher education. American women’s status in 19th century Middle- and upper-class women Caring their children Doing the household Lower-class women Work outside the home Poorly-paid domestic servants First-wave feminism During 19th century to early 20th century Focus on… The promotion of equal contract Property rights Gaining political power The right of voting Reference http://www.katechopin.org/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Chopin http://www.bookrags.com/essay LCTD英文文學與文化教學資料庫 英美文學名著課堂教材 Thanks for your attention~ 第九組 組員 徐灩 王姿靜 賴映伶 陳信璋