Book Review of At Fault by Kate Chopin

A Classic Novel From One of America’s Most Notable Literary Voices

Jul 3, 2009

With works that tackle such delicate subjects as divorce and women's sexuality, Kate Chopin is often considered one of the pioneers of literary feminism.

Although Kate Chopin is better known for her second novel The Awakening and her numerous short story collections, her first novel merits critical inquiry. At Fault was published in 1890 and aside from its confident, flawless prose, it also explores the complicated and sensitive subject of divorce.

Thérèse Lafirme is a young resourceful widow, quite capable of running the plantation she has inherited from her late husband. A few years after his death, she falls in love with David Hosmer, a recent immigrant to the south from Missouri. But she refuses his proposal when she learns he is divorced, condemning him for what she calls “cowardly behavior”. Thérèse persuades David to undertake a difficult task: re-marry his wife and attempt to reform her faults instead of abandoning her to them.

When David returns to the adjoining mill with his wife Fanny, Thérèse’s resolution is called into question. Is it possible to reform someone’s bad character? Should David and Thérèse sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of a woman who is clearly both intellectually and emotionally inferior?

Chopin’s principal inquiry seems to be whether divorce is inherently bad. By challenging David’s actions, Thérèse would like to ensure the absolute necessity of his divorce. Their initial conversation convinces her otherwise, which is why she pleads with him to correct his error.

David agrees, but only out of love for Thérèse. An unconventional situation which infuses At Fault with a unique perspective. He is willing to spend the rest of his life with a woman he despises, to earn the respect of the woman he loves.

But it is this particular situation which provides the substance for Chopin’s investigation of divorce. No one involved in this unusual love triangle finds happiness or comfort. And its original purpose, to care for and reform Fanny, is continually thwarted by that woman’s deplorable character. This only serves to underscore the futility of Thérèse and David's mutual martyrdom.

Kate Chopin’s Subtle Feminism

So what is Chopin’s answer to this difficult question? With a clever literary sleight-of-hand, Chopin avoids having to confront this question head-on by ending her book with a series of welcome surprises. However, this does not prevent the reader from inferring Chopin’s response.

That Thérèse is a widower and David a divorcé is no accident. Much of Thérèse’s reaction to David’s situation can be interpreted as her understanding of what it would mean for their positions to be reversed. David can presumably begin his life anew, but a divorced woman is an altogether unenviable creature. Chopin’s subtle highlighting of this double standard is a critical example of her early feminist explorations.

Very much a first novel, and rightfully considered inferior to The Awakening as well as to many of her short stories, At Fault still provides valuable insight into Kate Chopin’s thematic and literary development.

The copyright of the article Book Review of At Fault by Kate Chopin in Classic American Fiction is owned by Michelle Bailat-Jones. Permission to republish Book Review of At Fault by Kate Chopin in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.