A collection of transformative stories that emphasize women's roles in society. The works of Kate Chopin were nearly forgotten for much of the twentieth century, but her popularity made a resurgence in the 1970s when readers and scholars turned their attention to early women's literature. The Awakening, her best-known novel, is set in the Gulf Coast region around New Orleans, and is critically acclaimed for its style and for being ahead of its time in discussing important women's issues. Also included in this volume are several of Chopin's short stories, including "Desiree's Baby" and "The Story of an Hour."