Kate Chopin (1850-1904) was an American author of short stories and novels. She is best known for her 1899 novel The Awakening, which is considered a landmark work of early feminist literature. Chopin was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in a large Creole family. She was educated in Catholic schools and married Oscar Chopin in 1870. After his death in 1882, she moved to Cloutierville, Louisiana, where she wrote many of her stories and novels. Her works often explored the lives of women in the late 19th century, focusing on their struggles with gender roles and societal expectations. Chopin's writing was largely overlooked until the late 20th century, when her works were rediscovered and praised for their insight and frankness. She is now considered one of the most important American authors of the 19th century.