Kate Chopin (1850-1904) was an American author of short stories and novels. One of the first books to truthfully write about women's lives, Kate Chopin's The Awakening is considered a quintessential work of Southern literature and a bold foray into early feminism. Aside from The Awakening, Chopin has written numerous short stories, many exploring Cajun, Creole, and Southern identities. Her other popular works include The Story of an Hour and The Storm.