The Awakening is a novel by Kate Chopin, published in 1899. It tells 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, sexuality, and societal expectations. Chopin's poignant and thought-provoking writing style makes this novel a significant contribution to fin-de-siècle literature.