TopicWhat are the elements of symbolism used in "A Pair of Silk Stockings“?SAIRISH KHOKHAR

Elements of symbolism used in "A Pair of Silk Stockings"?  One of the most obvious and well-adopted elements put

forth in the story is the use of symbols. Symbolism is what helps reveal Mrs. Sommers’ emotional

changes. Pair of silk stockings is the initial symbol that revolves

around the whole story and her motive The pair of silk stockings represents Mrs. Sommers’ selfish

needs.

“Here in a retired corner, she exchanged her cotton stockings for new silk ones which she had just bought”

Sommers’ use of symbolism is used quite effectively

it is very obvious and straightforward the old, cotton, raggedy, stockings were of her

past the new, beautiful, silk stockings represents her

current life

Related symbols are Gloves Representing status and a remembrance of her

past Magazines a pleasure known from her past "better times,“ Chopin uses repetition of the silk stockings to

show Sommers’ selfish side It can also be seen in the title very distinctively

, “A Pair of Silk Stockings” gives you the thought of a glamorous and superior life

The symbol is the $15 itself It symbolizes both past and future past "better times" and a small light shed on

her "dim future" making the "monster" look a little

less "gaunt" for a time The reaction after finding the money is she felt important and she has not enjoyed it for

years

Chopin uses a very specific description of the money

Later on, Chopin talks about Sommers’ troubles of trying to sleep

Sommers’ confused thoughts on how to use the money can be interpreted as stalling

Sommers wants to make sure she uses the money and her ‘past’, in an enjoyable way.

the unlikely-ness that it again she would ever experience

one of the other symbols expressed in, “A Pair of Silk Stockings” is the theatre Sommers visits last.

The theatre can be easily translated into higher class

She thought she was in a high class again “The play was over, the music ceased, the

crowd filed out. It was like a dream ended. People scattered in all directions.”

This is Chopin’s natural way of ending Mrs. Sommers’ dream of being high-class

Sommer then waits for the cable car to go back to her old, middle-class life

Kate Chopin’s use of symbolism relates to the theme and what a character is about

Chopin is also very important because of her use of symbolism

To conclude

All in all, Mrs. Sommers faced herself in “A Pair of Silk Stockings,”

She wanted the best for her children but she also wanted nice things for herself she is always struggling to try and decide what

is right from wrong Women back then were not supposed to go out

and spend money on themselves.

Instead they were supposed to stay at home and watch the kids and clean the house

Chopin manipulates various elements to reveal these themes

Sommers would try really hard to support her family but this time

she got carried away and spent all the money on herself.

conflict is women versus herself because she is always fighting with herself to

make the right decision, that they are not always easy things for her to

do.