SECTION 2: PASSAGE IDENTIFICATION - Kate Chopin, "A Pair of Silk Stockings"

Question 1

main characters

Answer 1

• Mrs. Sommers (protagonist, lower-middle class, young mother)
• Clerk, salesperson (assist Mrs. Sommers in her shopping)
• Jane, Mag, the boys (her children)

Question 2

plot summary

Answer 2

• set in late 19th century
• Mrs. Sommers acquires $15
  
  • usually very conscientious and responsible with money, feels she should spend it on her children, patching, etc.
  • good at bargaining
• she feels very fatigued, then sees a pair of silk stockings and decides to purchase them
• this sets off a chain of purchases: gets fitted for shoes, gloves, gets books, then goes to a fancy restaurant
• she finally goes to the movie theatre and talks with the high-class woman next to her, laughing and smiling
• a man notices her as she rides the cable car home wistfully

Question 3

important themes

Answer 3

• agency vs. social obligations (especially for women)
• consumption as a form of escapism
• self-indulgence and liberation

Question 4

historical context

Answer 4

rise in consumerism + materialism (ex. department stores)

Question 5

stylistic traits

Answer 5

• objective
• realistic
• 3rd person
• short sentences

Question 6

literary movement