Comparing Women In Wagner Matinee And A Pair Of Silk Stockings
Realism focuses on the truthful treatment of the common, average, everyday life. During the late 1900 century, female realist writers such as Kate Chopin and Willa Cather portrays the roles and duties that women play in society. Women are expected to make unconditional sacrifices and fulfill the happiness of their family. The only responsibilities they have are cooking, cleaning, and caring for their loved ones. The short story “Wagner Matinee” by Willa Cather and “A pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin specify the significant sacrifices women are expected to accomplish during that era. Both women in the short stories live similar lifestyles but have different aspects about themselves. Cather and Chopin are able to present the daily life
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In her short story "A Pair of Silk Stockings,” Mrs. Sommers plans to purchase a few items for her children. Her family is very poor and can only afford a couple of items throughout the entire year. As Mrs. Sommers is running errands, she comes across a pair of silk stockings in which she hesitates to purchase it. At that moment, she struggles to determine whether she should be spending her money on her children or herself. In the end, she ends up purchasing it; this leads to extravagant spendings for the rest of the day. Her desire for freedom is clearly symbolized when Mrs. Sommers rests her hand upon the counter in which she feels "something very soothing, very pleasant to touch." She wishes to go back to the time before she got married to escape the imprisoned life she has now. During that era, women are expected to think first of the needs for their children. They are considered selfish if they want to pursue their own needs and desires. However, Mrs. Sommers does the opposite. Kate Chopin demonstrates the independence and freedom that women strive for. Chopin shows how Mrs. Sommers is tired of putting others before herself and is in need to express her individuality. Women are locked up in a dull routine of nurturing their children so often that they start to feel unhappy and have less time for
In her short story "A Pair of Silk Stockings,” Mrs. Sommers plans to purchase a few items for her children. Her family is very poor and can only afford a couple of items throughout the entire year. As Mrs. Sommers is running errands, she comes across a pair of silk stockings in which she hesitates to purchase it. At that moment, she struggles to determine whether she should be spending her money on her children or herself. In the end, she ends up purchasing it; this leads to extravagant spendings for the rest of the day. Her desire for freedom is clearly symbolized when Mrs. Sommers rests her hand upon the counter in which she feels "something very soothing, very pleasant to touch." She wishes to go back to the time before she got married to escape the imprisoned life she has now. During that era, women are expected to think first of the needs for their children. They are considered selfish if they want to pursue their own needs and desires. However, Mrs. Sommers does the opposite. Kate Chopin demonstrates the independence and freedom that women strive for. Chopin shows how Mrs. Sommers is tired of putting others before herself and is in need to express her individuality. Women are locked up in a dull routine of nurturing their children so often that they start to feel unhappy and have less time for