This novel is one of the first feminist novels, because it was empowering women. There have been several other feminist novels, but this is the very first one.
Kate Chopin wrote the awakening to empower feminism and women, as they are often designated as the weaker gender. I believe that it shows the stronger side of females, and that they are as strong as men are.
I haven't read the book, so I went off of what i could. I hope this helps, you can re-word it if you'd like.
The answer is the first choice. Both verb tenses are in the past tense and agree with each other.
