Bonner . . . provides a compendium of information, helpful to
the undergraduate as well as to the scholar; a chronology of
Chopin's life; nine translations by Chopin herself of French short
stories, eight of which are by Guy de Maupassant, a major literary
influence (five of these published here for the first time); period
maps of Missouri, Louisiana, and New Orleans, and a 13-page
bibliographic essay on primary and secondary sources, which is
thorough and organized for easy reference. The bulk of the book is
devoted to a Dictionary of Characters, Places, Titles, Terms, and
People from the Life and Works of Kate Chopin.' The Dictionary'
will be especially helpful to those readers . . . who are
unfamiliar with the Cajun and Creole terms--e.g., lagniappe,
jambalaya--appearing in Chopin's fiction, or with the many
references to French Catholicism made by her characters. . . .
Overall, this volume is a valuable tool for both the novice and
experienced Chopin reader, and is highly recommended. "Choice"
Recent years have witnessed a major rebirth of interest in the
works of Kate Chopin, author of two novels and nearly 100 short
stories. The current volume makes an important contribution to the
study of Chopin's work by providing a dictionary of characters,
places, plot briefs, poem briefs, biographical items, and selected
terms; period maps of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Missouri; and a
bibliographic essay on primary and secondary sources. Also featured
are Chopin's translations of eight Guy de Maupassant stories, five
of which appear here in print for the first time, and one story by
Adrien Vely.
The dictionary delineates the characters and places in Chopin's
fiction, many of which reappear as major and minor elements
throughout her work. Of particular significance are the many
unnamed characters who contribute to the development of recurring
social themes. The maps of relevant areas in Louisiana and Missouri
will help make the connections between character and place, story,
and setting more concrete. The bibliographic essay covers editions,
manuscripts, and letters in the primary sources section. Biography
and criticism, including general appraisals and those addressed to
special topics or particular works, are included in the secondary
sources section. The aim throughout is to resolve basic questions
and confusions that persist regarding Chopin's work so that the
reader can concentrate more productively--and more enjoyably--on
the issues of form, theme, and influence that dominate her
fiction.
General
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