Pair of Wool Long Johns An Analysis of A Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin
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"A Pair of Silk Stockings," the appropriately titled tale of a woman protagonist thrusting aside her constraints, yet embracing them in the most ironic of fashions. Throughout the story, "little Mrs. Sommers" struggles against her antagonist, the money in her pocket and her desire to spend it. This nonformulaic fiction pits Mrs. Sommers in a, subtly hinted at, struggle with herself over how to properly spend the money she finds herself possessor of. Early on, Chopin exemplifies the assault of the brutal pecuniary: "the question of investment was one that occupied her greatly." She also delves into the possibilities for the spending-for the woman's "brood" and for pricier, longer-lasting shoes for Janie.
All through, the reader feels a sort of suspense, will Mrs. Sommers ever get around to purchasing Janie's shoes, will she continue frivolously throwing out this opportunity, will she fall back upon the carefree days of her wealthier youth so delicately hinted at by the author? All these questions and more are created by the tactful suspense the author spins around the character of Mrs...