The Awakening is a novel by Kate Chopin, published in 1899. It tells the story of Edna Pontellier, a woman who rebels against the societal expectations placed upon her as a wife and mother. The novel explores themes of female sexuality, identity, and the limitations imposed by a patriarchal society. With its bold portrayal of female independence and desire, The Awakening is a significant work in the Decadence & the Fin-de-Siècle genre.