Introduction
This critical essay analyzes Kate Chopin’s short story “A Pair of Silk Stockings” and examines how the author critiques the societal expectations imposed on lower-class women in the 19th century. The essay examines the portrayal of Mrs. Sommers and her struggles to adjust to an unexpected influx of money, reflecting the economic challenges faced by many working-class women. Chopin uses Mrs. Sommers as an illustration of how class inequality forces impoverished women to place practicality above personal pleasure.
The author also employs symbolism to convey Mrs. Sommers’ yearning for a better life, highlighting the unattainable luxury that is out of reach. Additionally, the essay examines and challenges societal attitudes that restrict women from lower social classes from accessing the same opportunities as their wealthier counterparts, emphasizing the need for more options and resources. Ultimately, in “A Pair of Silk Stockings”, Kate Chopin uses irony, character, and symbolism to illustrate society’s perceptions of women from lower social classes. The essay emphasizes the need for societal change and increased opportunities for women to overcome their limitations.
$15
In “A Pair of Silk Stockings,” Kate Chopin utilizes the character of Mrs. Sommers to convey the societal views of a lower-class woman. When she unexpectedly acquires $15, she struggles to adjust to having extra money, reflecting the financial difficulties often faced by low-income women. Chopin notes that “The neighbors sometimes talked of certain ‘better days’ that little Mrs. Sommers had known before she had ever thought of being Mrs. Sommers” (Chopin, 1). The author emphasizes how Mrs. Sommers focuses on the present rather than reflecting on the past, which is typical of those from lower-class backgrounds.
Chopin underlines that Mrs. Sommers does not intend to waste the money but ultimately decides to indulge in luxury items, reflecting the societal pressure placed on underclass women to conform to unrealistic expectations. The author critiques the double standard imposed on lower-class women, who are expected to be both frugal and indulgent at the same time. The silk stockings that Mrs. Sommers purchases symbolize her yearning for a more luxurious lifestyle.
However, Chopin employs irony to demonstrate how the stockings ultimately bring Mrs. Sommers more anxiety than pleasure. Furthermore, Mrs. Sommers spends the day worrying about the stockings. The irony highlights the unattainable nature of luxury for lower-class women, where even minor indulgences can have severe consequences.
After spending the money frivolously, Mrs. Sommers feels like she has woken up from a dream. Chopin uses this to convey how societal norms and expectations can cause women to feel confined and unfulfilled. The author highlights how women from lower-class backgrounds are often denied the same opportunities as those from higher social classes and are expected to conform to a particular lifestyle, regardless of their personal goals or ambitions.
Poverty
Mrs. Sommers’ personality is committed to finding economic options, highlighting the challenges faced by impoverished women. She dedicates her time to seeking the best deals and cannot indulge in luxurious items. Chopin employs her as an example of how interclass inequality compels poor women to prioritize practicality over personal gratification.
Mrs. Sommers envisions her offspring appearing fashionable in new clothes. Despite her limited finances, she is consumed with her children’s appearance, realizing their appearance reflects on her. This strain is representative of the societal perspectives of the lower class, where appearance is frequently tied to status and respectability.
When Mrs. Sommers indulges herself with a meal at a high-class restaurant, it is an uncommon moment of self-indulgence for her. She feels out of place and uneasy, illustrating the limited opportunities available to women of her social status. Moreover, as Guy de Maupassant wrote, “Natural ingenuity, the instinct for what is elegant, a supple mind is their sole hierarchy, and often make of women of the people the equals of the very greatest ladies” (1). Mrs. Sommers exemplifies a woman with natural ingenuity and a supple mind, yet class divisions limit her options and opportunities. Chopin employs this character to reveal the difficulties and constraints faced by lower-class women, ultimately critiquing the societal views that keep them trapped in their social position.
The Silk Stockings
Additionally, as Chopin uses symbolism to express Mrs. Sommers’ yearning for a better life, the silk stockings represent more than just clothing. They symbolize Mrs. Sommers’ desire to feel beautiful and accepted, as well as the unattainable luxury that is out of reach. Moreover, she also reflects the limited role of women in society.
Women from lower social classes are expected to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers over their own fulfillment and happiness. This is echoed in Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” where the narrator is confined to her role as a wife and mother, unable to fulfill her ambitions and desires. Moreover, as Gilman states in her work, “I did not realize for a long time what the thing was that showed behind, that dim sub-pattern, but now I am quite sure it is a woman” (19). The dim sub-pattern in the wallpaper represents the confinement and limitations placed on women, much like the societal expectations placed on Mrs. Sommers.
Finally, Chopin emphasizes the significance of women needing a day to indulge themselves and their desires. Mrs. Sommers’ day of indulgence represents a brief moment of escape from limitations and anticipation. Chopin critiques the social norms that limit opportunities for lower-class women compared to their higher-class counterparts. Mrs. Sommers’ day of indulgence highlights the need for more options and resources.
Time Era
In “A Pair of Silk Stockings,” Kate Chopin critiques the strict societal expectations imposed on women during the 19th century. Women were expected to be obedient and submissive, with limited rights and opportunities for self-expression. This is evident in the character of Mrs. Sommers, who struggles to break free from her societal constraints.
Chopin emphasizes the importance of providing women with more opportunities for self-expression and fulfillment. Women in the 19th century were expected to stay married, even if it meant sacrificing their happiness. Mrs. Sommers’ desires are influenced by her previous marriage, reflecting the societal pressure on women to conform to traditional gender roles. Chopin emphasizes the need for women to have the freedom to make their own decisions and pursue their dreams rather than being limited by societal expectations.
The limitations faced by women are also evident in James’ “Eveline,” where societal expectations confine the titular character to keep the house together and take care of the children. The quote “she did not find it an undesirable life” demonstrates how societal expectations kept women in a limited role with few opportunities for self-expression and personal fulfillment (James, 2). Chopin emphasizes the importance of challenging social norms that restrict women’s opportunities and advocates for a shift in how society perceives women’s roles.
Conclusion
Using irony to portray the situation, highlighting poverty, and incorporating symbolism, Chopin effectively conveys Mrs. Sommers’ lifestyle. Mrs. Sommers not only resigns herself to a dissatisfying existence after getting married but also avoids dwelling on the past. Her longing for beauty and acceptance becomes apparent when she impulsively buys silk stockings and spends the day indulging in frivolous activities. However, on her way home, she realizes how mundane her life has become and how the day has felt like a dream. This short story highlights the contrasting societal expectations of women in the 19th century versus contemporary times.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. A Pair of Silk Stockings. Kate Chopin Org, 1897. Web.
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper. Lerner Publishing Group, 2017.
James, Joyce’s. Eveline. Dubliners, 1904.
Maupassant, Guy de. The Necklace and Other Tales. New York: Modern Library, 2003