Doctor Chevalier’s Lie, Kate Chopin: Summary & Analysis

"Doctor Chevalier’s Lie" is a short story by Kate Chopin, written in 1891 and published in Vogue magazine in 1893. The story explores themes of morality, compassion, and the complexities of human behavior through the actions of a doctor confronted with the death of a young woman in a brothel. Facts About This Work Fact Details Title Doctor Chevalier’s Lie Author Kate Chopin Year Written 1891 Publication Vogue magazine, 1893 Setting A brothel in an unspecified city, late 19th century Theme Morality, compassion, social stigma Form Short story Summary ‘Doctor Chevalier’s Lie’ revolves around a poignant and morally complex situation involving a young woman’s tragic death and the actions taken by a compassionate doctor. Setting and Incident: The story is set in a brothel, where Doctor Chevalier is summoned after a gunshot is heard. He finds that a young woman has taken her own life by shooting herself in the head. Personal Connection: Doctor Chevalier reflects on his prior encounter with…