A Pair of Silk Stockings
KATE CHOPIN
Kate Chopin
 1851-1904
 Witty and popular young woman who became known
as an independent
 Dominant theme = the repression of women in
Victorian America
 i.e. The Awakening
QUICKWRITE
 Everyone feels trapped with the humdrum activities
of everyday life. Even rock stars and athletes wish for
an escape from routine.
 Describe your temporary escape from your everyday
responsibilities.
 If I were to find $100 tomorrow and took the day off
from school I would spend the day…
Motivation
 The reasons for a character’s actions
 In fiction, a characters motivations are complex and
to understand the way they act, their motivations
must be believable.
 Essential Question:
 Are Mrs. Sommers actions understandable?
Background
 Setting 1890
 Stockings = long and 100% cotton
 Silk stockings = luxury
 $15.00 bought a lot more than it can today
Plot
 Mrs. Sommers unexpectedly finds $15.00
 wants to buy clothes for her children
 Nearly faints
 Indulges herself
Plot
 Mrs. Sommers buys:
 Silk stockings
 Shoes
 Gloves
 Two expensive magazines
 A fancy meal
 A theater ticket
Motivation
 “The vision of her little brood looking fresh and
dainty and new for once in their lives excited her and
made her restless and wakeful with anticipation.”

If this story was in modern times would she still have the same
feelings?
Motivation
 “…nor was she striving to explain to her satisfaction
the motive of her action. She was not thinking at all.”

Why does Mrs. Sommers act without thinking?
Motivation
 There were quiet ladies and gentleman, who did not
notic her, lunching at the small tables like her own.”


How do you think Mrs. Sommers feels about not attracting the
other diners attention?
Why do you think she feels that way?
Motivation
 What was the main reason for Mrs. Sommers
attending the play at the theater?