How Did Kate Chopin Influence American Literature

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Throughout the lengthy time span of American Literature, many people have positively impacted this art. While there were many authors, there are always authors that negatively influence American Literature. Kate Chopin was an author that positively influenced American Literature. Kate Chopin was a feminist author that influenced American Literature by Self Identity and Symbolism. To begin, Kate Chopin, also known as Kate O’Flaherty, did not have the easiest childhood. Her sisters died during infancy and all her brothers died in their early twenties. Kate’s dad died in a train accident causing her to be home schooled. Kate’s great grandmother taught her everything she knew; when Kate returned to the Sacred Heart Academy she was top of her class. She received awards, was elected into the Elite Children of Mary Society, and presented the …show more content…
Kate used self-identity to propel her name into the great authors of the 18th century. She used self-identity to tell about having to find yourself and express your own opinion. In Kates book, The Awakening, she says, “She could only realize that she herself--her present self--was in some way different from the other self. That she was seeing with different eyes and making the acquaintance of new conditions in herself that colored and changed her environment, she did not yet suspect (Chopin 14.9).” Kate also used revolting against conformity as a recurring theme. Kate tried to persuade people to revolt against the sexist norms of the 18th century. Kate used symbolism and parallel structure in most of her writing. For example, in The Storm, Kate says, “He expressed an intention to remain outside, but it was soon apparent that he might as well have been out in the open: the water beat in upon the boards in driving sheets, and he went inside, closing the door after him. (Chopin 1.1).” The storm conveyed Calixta and Alcée by bringing them back