A Pair of Silk Stockings Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does Mrs. Sommers think she will spend her fifteen dollars on?

A good lunch

A matinee at the theater

Clothing for her children (correct)

Fine leather gloves for herself

At the beginning of the story, how is Mrs. Sommers characterized?

Dutiful, caring parent (correct)

Flighty; irresponsible person

Neglectful mother

What can you infer about Mrs. Sommers' past?

She had more money and lived a more gracious life (correct)

She did not want to get married and have children

She had grown up in poverty

Her husband deserted her a few years ago

How do the silk stockings affect Mrs. Sommers?

When she touches them, she wants more things Signup and view all the answers

From the events in this story, what can you conclude?

Silk stockings were an expensive luxury Signup and view all the answers

After Mrs. Sommers buys the stockings, what is her next purchase?

A pair of beautiful leather shoes Signup and view all the answers

What luxury does Mrs. Sommers allow herself?

A meal at a nice restaurant and a play Signup and view all the answers

How do Mrs. Sommers's new clothes make her feel?

Self-confident Signup and view all the answers

At the matinee, what is Mrs. Sommers's state of mind?

She enjoys the performance very much Signup and view all the answers

What does Pat Mora want America to accept?

Difference Signup and view all the answers

Which force is NOT a motivation for Mrs. Sommers before she buys luxuries?

Political forces to vote Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Mrs. Sommers to treat herself to some luxuries?

She is likely acting on an impulse Signup and view all the answers

How are the objects that Mrs. Sommers buys characterized?

An unnecessary extravagance Signup and view all the answers

Why is analyzing the historical context of A Pair of Silk Stockings important for understanding Mrs. Sommers?

She is filled with importance when she gets fifteen dollars Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mrs. Sommers' Spending Choices

Mrs. Sommers initially plans to spend her fifteen dollars on her children's clothing, indicating her role as a caring parent.
After buying silk stockings, Mrs. Sommers feels a sense of entitlement to luxuries, highlighting her desire to treat herself after making sacrifices.

Characterization of Mrs. Sommers

Mrs. Sommers is portrayed as a dutiful and caring mother who prioritizes her children's needs.
Her past suggests she once had more money, which adds depth to her current financial struggles.

Impact of the Silk Stockings

The silk stockings ignite a yearning for more luxurious items, revealing her dissatisfaction with her financial state.
After purchasing the stockings, Mrs. Sommers buys beautiful leather shoes, indicating an impulse-driven spending spree.

The story illustrates the historical pressure on women to be self-sacrificing and the guilt associated with indulgence.
Silk stockings serve as a symbol of luxury, representing an unattainable social status for women of her time.

Emotional Reactions and Experiences

Mrs. Sommers feels self-confident in her new attire, which contrasts with her earlier feelings of guilt and obligation.
At the matinee, she enjoys the performance, suggesting a temporary escape from her financial worries.

Personal Motivations and Ethical Dilemmas

Mrs. Sommers' splurging is primarily motivated by impulse rather than a well-thought-out plan or philosophical beliefs.
Each luxury item purchased is ultimately unnecessary, underscoring a struggle between desire and practicality.

Understanding the historical context enables insight into Mrs. Sommers' financial mindset and her emotional turmoil associated with spending.
The setting reflects societal expectations of women, especially regarding finance and personal desires.

Description

Test your knowledge of 'A Pair of Silk Stockings' with these flashcards. This quiz focuses on key details and characterizations in the story. Challenge yourself to recall facts and infer meanings from the text.