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.

Hard years

In 1879, Oscar's cotton brokerage failed and the family moved to Cloutierville, Louisiana to manage several small plantations and a general store. They became active in the community, and Kate absorbed much material for her future writing, especially regarding the Cajun culture of the area. Their home at 243 Highway 495 (built by Alexis Cloutier in the early part of the century) is now a national historic landmark and the home of the Bayou Folk Museum.

Related Topics:
1879 - Cloutierville, Louisiana - Cajun - Alexis Cloutier - Bayou Folk Museum

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When Oscar died of swamp fever in 1882, he left Kate $12,000 in debt (approximately $200,000 in 1990 dollars). Kate attempted to manage the plantations and store alone but with little success. She had an affair with a passionate though married farmer.

Related Topics:
1882 - 1990

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Her mother implored her to move back to St. Louis, which she and the children eventually did, in 1884. Kate and the children gradually settled into life in St. Louis where she needed no longer be concerned about money. She was able to read more. The following year, Kate's mother died.

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At about this time, Kate suffered a nervous breakdown and her doctor suggested she consider writing as a way to calm herself. She took this idea up, and soon rediscovered her natural story-telling talents.

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