Summary

“A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin tells the story of Mrs. Sommers, who has come into the possession of a significant amount of money, fifteen dollars, and decides to take some time and plan how she should spend or invest the money. After careful consideration, she decides to buy her children – boys and girls – new clothing items: stockings, hats, gowns, shirt waists. She is depicted as a woman living in the present, rarely thinking about past happiness or future worries. She is also an experienced shopper, always looking for a good deal and capable of bargaining until she obtains the desired price. The day she goes shopping for her children she feels rather tired and realizes she was so busy that she forgot to have lunch.

As she sits in the shop, next to the counter, she accidentally touches a pair of silk stockings. The feeling of...