Name: ______________________________
Date: ____________
“A Pair of Silk Stockings” - Kate Chopin
Response Questions
1) What details about Mrs. Sommers ARE given before her shopping trip? Explain how
these details are relevant to the short story’s meaning.
Paraphrase: What was Ms. S. doing before she went shopping? So....what does this
stuff have to do with what happened in the story?
Answer:
2) Usually, Mrs. Sommers controlled her temptations, as she “did not wish to act
hastily, to do anything she might regret.” Find the turning points in the story where
Mrs. Sommers completely ditches her cautious planning.
Paraphrase: List details that show Ms. Sommers is not following her plan.
Answer:
3) Based on what you know about Mrs. Sommers and/or people in general, do you
believe that this character shift is realistic and convincing? Why or why not?
Paraphrase (write the question in your own words):
Answer:
4) What is the impact of the last paragraph? Reread and explain the impact of ending
the short story in this manner.
Paraphrase:
Answer:
5) A Pair of Silk Stockings was published in 1894. Does it have any relevance for
today’s society and people? Explain.
Paraphrase:
Answer:
5) As small groups, write a character analysis of Mrs. Sommers. Describe and explain
how she changes throughout the story, making her a dynamic character. Provide
specific references from the short story to show the nature of her dynamic character.
Do you believe that these changes are permanent or temporary? Explain.
6) How can you relate and make personal connections to Mrs. Sommers and her
dilemma in the story? Explain
7) By analyzing A Pair of Silk Stockings readers can you identify with
Mrs. Sommers, a devoted mother wanting just to spend all the fifteen
dollars and think of only herself for once? Explain.
8) How would you feel if your mother did the same things in the story as Mrs.
Sommers?
9) Is
there an antagonist is this short story? Explain.