21. (4 point question) Respond with a minimum of 3-5 sentences. Include evidence from each text with explanation of how the evidence supports your answer (RACE). Use the Writing Guide to plan and write your response.
Read the following passages from “A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin.
How does the character of Mrs. Sommers develop from Passage 1 through Passage 5? Use the RACE method to respond to the question and be sure to use textual evidence from the provided passages to support your response.
In Passage 1, Mrs. Sommers is portrayed as a practical and responsible woman who focuses on her family's needs. This is evident when it states, "She had no time...to give the material of her life anything but the most cursory and perfunctory attention." This shows that she is constantly busy and does not have time for herself.
However, in Passage 2, Mrs. Sommers starts to show a change in character. She begins to daydream about the luxuries she could have and starts to feel a desire for a more extravagant lifestyle. This is shown by the sentence, "The vision in her mind became more and more importunate...tempted her more and more." Here, Mrs. Sommers is becoming more inclined towards her own desires instead of solely focusing on her family.
In Passage 3, Mrs. Sommers begins to act upon her desires and indulges in a day of luxurious shopping. This is supported by the sentence, "She could not resist it." This demonstrates that Mrs. Sommers is now prioritizing her own desires and giving in to them, despite the potential consequences.
By Passage 5, Mrs. Sommers is portrayed as someone who has completely embraced a self-indulgent lifestyle. She spends an extravagant amount of money on herself and decides to forgo practicality. This is evident in the sentence, "She had passed the corner many times before...to refuse herself this final indulgence." Mrs. Sommers has transitioned from a practical and responsible character to one who is solely focused on her own desires and indulgence.
To analyze the development of Mrs. Sommers' character from Passage 1 through Passage 5 in "A Pair of Silk Stockings" by Kate Chopin, we can observe various changes in her behavior and mindset. In Passage 1, Mrs. Sommers is portrayed as a frugal and practical woman. She is cautious about her expenses and desires to provide for her children. This is evident from the line "She had a dollar and eighty-seven cents in her purse," which showcases her financial limitations.
However, in Passage 2, we see a shift in Mrs. Sommers' character. She is presented with a sudden windfall of fifteen dollars and is tempted by the luxurious items around her. The passage states, "She wanted to whisper it to some one...how much money she had." This desire to share her newfound wealth reflects her growing indulgence and desire for validation.
Passage 3 further shows Mrs. Sommers' development as she begins to prioritize her own pleasure. She contemplates spending money "on herself--she had never before known the delight of buying something beautiful for herself." This newfound focus on self-indulgence indicates a shift in her priorities and desires.
In Passage 4, Mrs. Sommers is actively engaging in the pleasure of shopping. She purchases silk stockings, which are described as a symbol of luxury. The line "lean silk stockings in her hand...lay alongside a pair of satin slippers" exemplifies her growing willingness to splurge on herself.
Finally, in Passage 5, Mrs. Sommers' transformation reaches its peak. She becomes so absorbed in her shopping spree that she loses track of time. She is "diverted from her shopping by the contents of her purse" and is caught up in the immediate satisfaction of her purchases, rather than considering the consequences. This blindness to the future consequences exemplifies her complete abandonment of her practical nature.
Overall, the development of Mrs. Sommers' character is evident through her transition from a frugal and responsible woman to an indulgent and impulsive spender. This change is supported by textual evidence from each passage, highlighting her increasing focus on personal pleasure and a willingness to prioritize herself over her financial responsibilities.