Kate Chopin

Katherine O'Flaherty (February 8, 1850 – August 20, 1904), known by her married name Kate Chopin, was an American author of short stories and novels.

Early adulthood

In her late teens Kate became a high-society belle in St. Louis, where she was known for her wit, and devoted much time to music. On a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, she met and was greatly influenced by an independent woman singer and actress. Her experiences in New Orleans were the basis of "Emancipation: A Life Fable". During these years, she began to question the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, especially in matters concerning gender roles.

Related Topics:
New Orleans, Louisiana - Roman Catholic Church - Gender roles

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kate married Oscar Chopin on June 9, 1870 in St. Louis, Missouri. Chopin was a member of the St. Louis French Creole community. They honeymooned in Germany, Switzerland, and France, but returned to America early because of the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war.

Related Topics:
June 9 - 1870 - St. Louis, Missouri - Creole - Germany - Switzerland - France - Franco-Prussian war

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the next ten years, Kate and Oscar lived in New Orleans (at 1413 Louisiana Avenue), where Oscar eventually entered the cotton business as a "factor". During this period, she had five sons and one daughter while remaining active in the city's social life. Summers were spent at Grand Isle, a resort community on the Gulf of Mexico. Kate's independence grew, including the unheard-of practice of walking unaccompanied throughout the city, which considerably upset the locals. She witnessed racial confrontations and organized terrorism against blacks.

Related Topics:
Grand Isle - Gulf of Mexico

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~