The second edition of this important canonical text is again based in the 1899 edition. The "Criticism" section has been greatly expanded to include more feminist appraisals, and a chronology has been added.

ENDURING LITERATURE ILLUMINATED BY PRACTICAL SCHOLARSHIP The poignant story of a woman who pursues love outside of her restrictive marriage in turn-of-the-century New Orleans EACH ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES: ·A concise introduction that gives readers important background information ·A chronology of the author's life and work ·A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context ·An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations ·Detailed explanatory notes ·Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work ·Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction ·A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential. SERIES EDITED BY CYNTHIA BRANTLEY JOHNSON

The Awakening, as the authoress' last masterpiece, also sharing one fate with Hardy's last one, was finally recognized and even praised as "beautifully written" by Edmund Wilson, and "exquisite" and "sensitive" by Willa Cather. However, the praised didn't live as long as Hardy, who finally outlived the thrusts and cuts.