Structure

The short story “A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin is structured around the development of the main character, Mrs. Sommers. After receiving an unexpected sum of money, she transforms from a prudent, practically-oriented woman into a person who indulges herself, spending her money rather recklessly and forgetting about the initial plan she had of using the money for her children.

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Title

The title of the short story –“A Pair of Silk Stockings” – only announces that the plot is somehow going to be connected with this clothing item for women.

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Beginning

The beginning of the short story, which represents the exposition of the plot, introduces us to the main character and part of the intrigue: Mrs. Sommers and her coming into the possession of a significant sum of money: “Little Mrs. Sommers one day found herself the unexpected possessor of fifteen dollars.

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Middle

The middle of the short story coincides with the rising action, triggered by Mrs. Sommers accidentally touching a pair of silk stockings: “By degrees she grew aware that her hand had encountered something very soothing, very pleasant to touch..."

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Ending

The ending consists of the falling action without a well-defined resolution. After the matinee ends, the woman heads to the cable car station where she attracts the looks of a man.

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