Kate Chopin

An item at American Writers Museum

Kate Chopin dared to write about female sexuality, longing, and identity at a time when women were expected to focus on husbands and children. Raised in St. Louis, she moved to New Orleans to marry, later returning to her hometown to write novels and short stories.

Chopin's works mostly take place in the New Orleans area and lyrically reflect the many cultures of the region: Creoles, Acadians, African-Americans, and others. Her first novel, At Fault (1890), went unnoticed, but her second, The Awakening (1899), caused a stir. In this sensitive and nuanced story, a woman strives to reconcile outward conformity and inward passion -and seeks to realize her potential beyond marriage.

AMERICAN VOICES

An exhibit at American Writers Museum

American writing is distinctive, diverse, and comes in many forms from across the nation. The 100 authors featured here represent the evolution of American writing. Learn more about each writer on the timeline by turning the panels below their portraits. Explore centuries of writing by pulling, turning, and touching the interactive elements on the counter.

This is not meant to be a list of the greatest or most influential writers. Instead, we present authors and works as part of the American story as it grows and changes. Taken together, this rich literary heritage reflects America in all of its complexity: its energy, hope, conflict, disillusionment, and creativity.

American Writers Museum