Kate Chopin (Novel Date 1899)

Chopin, Kate. "Chapter 10." In The Awakening, pp. 68-77. Chicago: Herbert S. Stone & Co., 1899.

In the following novel excerpt, Chopin's heroine, Edna Pontellier, experiences a feeling of liberation during her inaugural "solo" swim.

At all events Robert proposed it, and there was not a dissenting voice. There was not one but was ready to follow when he led the way. He did not lead the way, however, he directed the way; and he himself loitered behind with the lovers, who had betrayed a disposition to linger and hold themselves apart. He walked between them, whether with malicious or mischievous intent was not wholly clear, even to himself.

The Pontelliers and Ratignolles walked ahead; the women leaning upon the arms of their husbands. Edna could hear Robert's voice behind them, and could sometimes hear what he said. She wondered why he did not join...