Women's study programs in universities often include the examination of literary feminist writers. This dissertation presents an examination of early feminist and 19th-century literary figure Kate Chopin (1850--1904), who was adamantly concerned in her works with the effect of enclosure on women and with women's subsequent desire for freedom. Although Chopin was not studied until well after her death, her fiction explores the real life instinctual need for women to experience self-realization. Chopin's ultimate call for emancipation can be linked to the experiences of women in more recent years in efforts to pursue higher education. Thus, herein is a holistic, qualitative study supported by the foundation of hermeneutic/phenomenological research and feminist literary criticism. This twofold study focuses on Chopin's works as empowering literature in higher education classes, with its resounding call for the universal need to seek one's best life.
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