The Kiss

by Kate Chopin

The Kiss is a short story by Kate Chopin.

Nathalie, a lovely and determined young lady, plans to marry Mr. Brantain, an unattractive but extremely wealthy man. When an unexpected event occurs involving her brother’s friend, Mr. Harvy, the consequences illustrate the finality of the choice Nathalie makes.

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, American, 19th Century

14 pages

First published January 17, 1895

About the author

Kate Chopin was an American author whose fiction grew out of the complex cultures and contradictions of Louisiana life, and she gradually became one of the most distinctive voices in nineteenth century literature. Raised in a household shaped by strong women of French and Irish heritage, she developed an early love for books and storytelling, and that immersion in language later shaped the quiet precision of her prose. After marrying and moving to New Orleans, then later to the small community of Cloutierville, she absorbed the rhythms, customs, and tensions of Creole and Cajun society, finding in its people the material that would feed both her sympathy and her sharp observational eye. When personal loss left her searching for direction, she began writing with the encouragement of a family friend, discovering not only a therapeutic outlet but a genuine vocation. Within a few years, her stories appeared in major magazines such as The Atlantic Monthly, Vogue, and The Century, where readers encountered her local-color sketches, her portrayals of women navigating desire and constraint, and her nuanced depictions of life in the American South. She published two story collections, Bayou Folk and A Night in Acadie, introducing characters whose emotional lives were depicted with unusual honesty. Her short fiction often explored subjects others avoided, including interracial relationships, female autonomy, and the quiet but powerful inner conflicts of everyday people. That same unflinching quality shaped The Awakening, the novel that would later become her most celebrated work. At the time of its publication, however, its frank treatment of a married woman’s emotional and sensual awakening unsettled many critics, who judged it harshly, yet Chopin continued to write stories that revealed her commitment to portraying women as fully human, with desires and ambitions that stretched beyond the confines of convention. She admired the psychological clarity of Guy de Maupassant, but she pushed beyond his influence to craft a voice that was unmistakably her own, direct yet lyrical, and deeply attuned to the inner lives of her characters. Though some of her contemporaries viewed her themes as daring or even improper, others recognized her narrative skill, and within a decade of her passing she was already being described as a writer of remarkable talent. Her rediscovery in the twentieth century led readers to appreciate how modern her concerns truly were: the struggle for selfhood, the tension between social expectations and private longing, and the resilience of women seeking lives that felt authentically theirs. Today, her stories and novels are widely read, admired for their clarity, emotional intelligence, and the boldness with which they illuminate the complexities of human experience.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another short story by Kate Chopin.

“But, you know," he went on quietly, "I didn't tell him so, it would have seemed ungrateful, but I can tell you. I've stopped kissing women; it's dangerous." Well, she had Brantain and his million left. A person can't have everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect it.”

Nathalie clearly likes to manipulate the men in her life!
http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-sto...

[Ahmed Ejaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A person can't have everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect it.

Probably not my favourite Kate Chopin's story.

This short story is about a girl, Nathalie who has an affair with her brother's friend, Mr. Harvy and at the same time she is with a wealthly man, Mr. Brantain who is "rather insignificant and unattractive". One day when Nathalie and Mr. Brantain are together, Mr. Harvy comes and kisses her. Mr. Brantain leaves her place and she gets angry with Mr. Harvy for kissing her in front of him. After the day, she convinces Mr. Brantain with a lie that that was nothing but the fact Mr. Harvy, being a close friend of her brother, considers her a sibling. That's why he did so. He accepts this (that's pretty foolish of him in my opinion). And on their wedding, he gives permission to Mr. Harvy to keep his sibling-like relationship with Nathalie and he may kisses her. When Mr. Harvy approaches Nathalie and tells her about it and also says he will not do that because he has decided to stop kissing women and considers it
"dangerous". At that moment, she realises she can't have everything in life. She gets wealth but loses the romantic love of Mr. Harvy.

I don’t know what to feel about this story. And I didn't understand two things: why did Harvy kiss her in front of Brantain?! Isn't it pretty stupid? 😒
And why did he consider "it dangerous"?😕

☆2.5 Stars☆


21 January, 2018

[MihaElla · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But, you know," he went on quietly, "I didn't tell him so, it would have seemed ungrateful, but I can tell you. I've stopped kissing women; it's dangerous." Well, she had Brantain and his million left. A person can't have everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect it.”

Humans are living in the world of money and sex, and they think they’re living. The Truth is saying just the opposite: they’re only dying. Life has many more treasures to be revealed, neither money nor sex can give it to us. Money- it is a utility, a good medium of exchange, very helpful, but, it is not your soul. It should not possess you.
If I’m or feel empty, then normally I should start filling in the bucket (the faster the better) of my being. Then I should start possessing my own being, and real fullness of being should be to reach your center of being-whatever that would mean to each.
Women, more than men, became (more) interested in things because down the very long thread of human history, she has been turned into a thing, so that this is the only way she can have a little feeling she is also somebody. Certainly, somebody, something, but not truly and verily herself.
This is 5*...my previous action is now duly and irrevocably cancelled 😃

[Christy Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another classic short story from Kate Chopin, “The Kiss” tells the story of Nathalie and her drive to marry a rich man. Mr. Brantain is not particularly good looking and they struggle to talk about anything else but simple tidbits. He is overwhelmed by her beauty and is unsure of himself. While sitting together, Mr. Harvey, Nathalie’s brother’s friend, bounds into the room and kisses her soundly. It’s very clear that this is a common occurrence but Nathalie convinces Mr. Brantain that Mr. Harvey is just a friend and overly familiar. She is able to convince Mr. Brantain to marry her. When Mr. Harvey approaches her on her wedding day to give his congratulations, she is hopeful that they can continue their trysts. Mr. Harvey tells her he doesn’t kiss women anymore because it’s dangerous. She muses that she can’t have it all, after all. Cheeky little story! Not as good as “The Story of an Hour” or “A Respectable Woman”, but it did make me smile.

[Janete on hiatus due health issues · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this short story quite unsatisfactory.

SYNOPSIS: "Nathalie, a lovely and determined young lady, plans to marry Mr. Brantain, an unattractive but extremely wealthy man. When an unexpected event occurs involving her brother’s friend, Mr. Harvy, the consequences illustrate the finality of the choice Nathalie makes."

[Moha Dem · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can't have everything in life, some weird stuff happening but it really reflects upon the choices we make in life.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

So brazenly clever and conniving were many gold-digging fabulist debutantes of days gone by. Read this little 3-page classic from Kate Chopin and you'll know what I mean:
https://shortstoryamerica.com/pdf_cla...

[Anna Avian · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can't have it all, all at once.

[Chrissie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my! This was so short. Too short for me to judge it. Sort of amusing. Ironic humor. I simply cannot say much about an extremely short short story - 5 pages, 7 minutes on an audiobook.

The audiobook narration by Lee Ann Howlett was fine.

I received this from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.

[George Ilsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every day should start with a deliciously short short story from Kate Chopin!

The Kiss is a bittersweet trifle, that portrays a momentous occasion in a young woman's life.

One really can't say more about a three page story without giving too much away.

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a dimly lit room, Brantain and Nathalie are talking to each other. The latter knows that he likes her and she is just waiting for him to say it. He is not handsome but he has a large amount of money, so she thinks she can benefit from him. All of a sudden, Harvy comes in the room and kisses Nathalie failing to notice Brantain's presence. Brantain then excuses himself outside the room thinking that he has ruined a moment. Harvy apologized to Nathalie and while the latter got mad, she accepts his apology.

Nathalie talks to Brantain and explains that she and Harvy treat each other like siblings so the kiss did not mean anything. She also says that she is worried of what Brantain may have thought about their kiss and realizing that she cares, Brantain forgives her.

The story fastforwards to Nathalie and Brantain's wedding. Harvy went to Nathalie imparting Brantain's message that he does not want to interrupt Harvy and Nathalie's relationship so he sent Harvy to kiss her. Nathalie felt proud of herself because everthing's going according to her plan but she realizes at the end that she cannot have everything in the world.

While some think that Nathalie is a horrible person, she is also an example of how women possess the power to manipulate others. I have seen women like this in movies, shows and even in real life. It somewhat empowers women because when men use physical strength and force, women use emotions that can manipulate people in a deeper level. But the ending reminds us that, repeating what I have said in the previous paragraph, we cannot have everything in the world. It is up to us to make the most of what we do. I know manipulating people is not a good thing to do, but many people have done it and this story reminds us that it has been a practice for centuries.

[Renegade ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Short story link:

http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-sto...

Quick analysis for those who might be interested:

http://sittingbee.com/the-kiss-kate-c...

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have arranged my thoughts on this story into a haiku:

"Manipulation.
Some do it right, others don't.
The point: have clear goals."

[Tarlan A. Latif · Rating 3 out of 5]

A person can't have everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect it.

[Ashley Marilynne Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. A lovely mischievous sshort story with an unexpected twist.

[˗ˏˋ charley ˎˊ˗ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite my initial confusion, this novella truly showcases Chopin's literary talents. Her ability to delve into the complexities of human emotions and societal constraints is both engaging and thought-provoking. This short story may require multiple readings to fully appreciate its nuances and is sure to spark discussions on the intricacies of desire and societal expectations.

[Laila · Rating 3 out of 5]

nathalie girl you’re so silly!

she really chose money over love and then thought on the wedding day her love would kiss her!!!

“A person can’t have everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect it.”

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story liked it as fuck

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating: 3.5 stars
Audiobook narrator Lee Ann Howlett rating: 3.5 stars

I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was not familiar with this book or author before receiving it. Since then I have learned a little about Kate Chopin and learned how she would publish her stories in Vogue. This short story is interesting for the time period that it comes from (originally 1895). In a time where women had very little power and were very submissive to men (at least from what TV has taught me), this story takes a different approach – maybe a more Vogue-like approach – and shows women as doing what they can to satisfy their desires. (That’s at least how I interpreted it).

I enjoyed the narration. She was clear and easy to understand. My only suggestion is to maybe have different voices for different men just for my clarity. Though, it is hard to judge someone’s full audible quality with only seven minutes of audio!

Thanks for the free audiobook!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this twice, slowly, to get what happened .. she pushes her sweetheart out of the way so a rich man will remain interested in her. The rich man having no idea, and her sweetheart then calling things off abruptly in retaliation... a lot of psychology for such a short little bit.

[Safae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im starting to really like Kate chopin she has a way of making a very beautiful stories .

[adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one reminded me of The Great Gatsby, except not nearly as good!!!

[Phil Syphe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short story that works very well.

A woman who wants to marry an unattractive man for his money is kissed by a handsome man in front of the unattractive one.

[cj]

[read for school]

[Vaishali · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird. Also, how could a short story this short take me 2 reads and still leave me unenthalled?

[Anatoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kiss by Kate Chopin — Review

The short story “The Kiss” by Kate Chopin is about a woman who wants to marry a rich man. She carefully plans how to achieve her aims using all her charm. She is narcissistic, vain and manipulative, and she thinks that she has a right to play with people's emotions.

There are two male characters in the story. One is naive and has a weak character. Another, on the contrary, doesn't let women manipulate him.

These characters play in love like in a game of chess. The question who is the winner has a connection with the last line of the story: ‘A person can't have everything in this world’.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author...

[READERSBEWARE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate Chopin’s The Kiss struck me as one of those deceptively simple stories that lingers long after you finish it, not because of grand drama but because of the sharp, quiet calculation beneath every gesture. Reading it felt like watching a seemingly innocent moment unfold while sensing the emotional currents swirling just beneath the surface—desire, ambition, restraint, all wrapped in Chopin’s elegant, razor-precise prose. I loved how she captures a character’s private conflict in such a compact space, making me reflect on the blurry lines between affection and convenience, sincerity and strategy, without ever tipping her hand or giving anything away. It’s a brief read, but its subtle tension makes it feel surprisingly intimate and personally resonant.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read The Kiss for my tenth grade English class, and it was admittedly difficult to appreciate (and write about), especially since it is so short. That being said, it's impressive how much story and characterization Chopin was able to convey in such a limited space -- perhaps that speaks to how unexpectedly calculating and manipulative Nathalie was despite her time period (which was definitely more restrictive of women)? Regardless, it's so short that it is worth a try.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second time reading something by Kate Chopin, and her voice definitely shined through. I really admire Chopin as a writer and I found this short story to be entertaining. The transition between scenes and time was a little confusing to me at first and I had to reread it again to understand it better. However, even with an unlikeable main character I still think the story was pretty good.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief interlude before marriage - the choices that we all have to make - questions that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. Kate Chopin illustrates the choice so many women through the ages have had to make: true love or financial stability. This short story is reflects a time and place now past: but I suspect there are many places in the world where women are still forced to make this choice.