A Pair of Silk Stockings

Chopin wrote many stories about married women facing difficult circumstances, and one of these is called “The Story of an Hour.” Read that story and compare Mrs. Mallard with Mrs. Sommers. Which protagonist is more sympathetic and why?

The words “little” and “small” are used to describe Mrs. Sommers, or parts of her person, several times throughout the story. What are the implications of Chopin’s choice to describe her in this way?

In what ways does Chopin critique 1890s American society, conventions, and practices through the character of Mrs. Sommers?

The story is narrated in the third person. How does the use of an authorial voice and changes of perspective shape the reader’s understanding of Mrs. Sommers her experiences?

The story uses the imagery of physical desire. Consider the societal and literary conventions Chopin draws on here and how this handling influences how you view Mrs. Sommers character.

Do you think Mrs. Sommers would have purchased the silk stockings if they had not been on sale? How does this detail tie in with the rest of the story and in what ways does it influence its effect?

The narrator’s word choices are often elevated. (For example, “judicious,” besieging,” “laborious,” “fastidious,” and “profusion.”) What does this elevated diction add to the story and our understanding of Mrs. Sommers?

In what ways is Mrs. Sommers different from the other women at the matinee? What is the meaning of this episode in the story?