When it was first published in 1899, The Awakening was charged with being sordid, immoral and repellent. Following such public condemnation the novel disappeared from bookshops and libraries for almost fifty years. Today, the story of Edna Pontellier's search for sexual and spiritual freedom is heralded as a classic. This volume includes other stories of Louisiana life which explore similar themes of love and marriage. CAMBRIDGE LITERATURE is a series of study texts which presents writing in the English-speaking world from the 16th century up to the present day. The series includes novels, drama, short stories, poetry, essays and other types of non-fiction. Each edition has the complete text with an appropriate glossary. The student will find in each volume a helpful introudction and a full section of resource notes encouranging active and imaginative study methods.