The Awakening is a novel by Kate Chopin, published in 1899. It follows the story of Edna Pontellier, a married woman who experiences a sexual and personal awakening while vacationing in Grand Isle, Louisiana. The novel explores themes of female independence, societal expectations, and the limitations placed on women in the late 19th century. With its exploration of female desire and rebellion, The Awakening is a significant fin-de-siècle work.