Read Biographical Information on Kate Chopin (568)
Read "A Pair of Silk Stockings" (570). Consider the motivation of Mrs. Sommers in the story.
Read "Now and Then, America" by Pat Mora (578).
Answer the following questions to hand in.
| 1. Philosophical approach. A feminist critic might say that this story is about a woman who is striving to gain personal freedom and identity. A Marxist critic might say it is about the class struggle. The critic Barbara C. Ewell writes, “The power of money to enhance self-esteem and confidence is the core of this poignant tale.” Which critic, if any, do you agree with? Why? 2. Breaking Bonds Both Chopin and Pat Mora, in the Connection on page 576, write about escape, freedom, identity, and individuality. In a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast the two writers’ attitudes toward these themes. What kinds of images do they use to convey their messages? What comment on life is each writer making? 3. Realism. Consider the authors we’ve read to far this term (Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, Stephen Crane, Kate Chopin). What particular features of Realism have you seen with each of these authors? Include specific examples from each author’s work (with page numbers). |
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