In the summer of her 28th year, Edna Pontellier and her children, along with the wives and families of other prospective businessmen, spend the summer in an idyllic coastal community away from their husbands and the sweltering heat of 1890s' New Orleans. Aware of deep yearnings that are unfulfilled by marriage and motherhood, Edna plunges into an illicit liaison that reawakens her long dormant desires, inflames her heart, and eventually blinds her to all else.

The awakening -- Wiser than a God -- A point at issue! -- The Christ light -- The maid of Saint Phillippe -- Doctor Chevalier's lie -- Beyond the Bayou -- Old Aunt Peggy -- Ripe figs -- Miss McEnders -- At the 'Cadian Ball -- The father of Désirée's baby (Désirée's baby) -- Caline -- A matter of prejudice -- Azélie -- A lady of Bayou St. John -- La belle Zoraïde -- Tonie (at Chênière Caminada) -- A gentleman of Boyou Tèche -- In Sabine -- A respectable woman -- The dream of an hour (the story of an hour) -- Lilacs -- Regret -- The kiss -- Her letters -- Athénaïse -- The unexpected -- Vagabonds -- A pair of silk stockings -- An Egyptian cigarette -- Elizabeth Stock's one story -- The storm: a sequel to "The 'Cadian Ball" -- Appendix: Louisiana observed: regional writing and Kate Chopin's people and languages.