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Questions and Answers
What does Mrs. Sommers think she will spend her fifteen dollars on?
What does Mrs. Sommers think she will spend her fifteen dollars on?
At the beginning of the story, how is Mrs. Sommers characterized?
At the beginning of the story, how is Mrs. Sommers characterized?
What can you infer about Mrs. Sommers' past?
What can you infer about Mrs. Sommers' past?
How do the silk stockings affect Mrs. Sommers?
How do the silk stockings affect Mrs. Sommers?
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From the events in this story, what can you conclude?
From the events in this story, what can you conclude?
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After Mrs. Sommers buys the stockings, what is her next purchase?
After Mrs. Sommers buys the stockings, what is her next purchase?
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What luxury does Mrs. Sommers allow herself?
What luxury does Mrs. Sommers allow herself?
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How do Mrs. Sommers's new clothes make her feel?
How do Mrs. Sommers's new clothes make her feel?
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At the matinee, what is Mrs. Sommers's state of mind?
At the matinee, what is Mrs. Sommers's state of mind?
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What does Pat Mora want America to accept?
What does Pat Mora want America to accept?
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Which force is NOT a motivation for Mrs. Sommers before she buys luxuries?
Which force is NOT a motivation for Mrs. Sommers before she buys luxuries?
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What motivates Mrs. Sommers to treat herself to some luxuries?
What motivates Mrs. Sommers to treat herself to some luxuries?
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How are the objects that Mrs. Sommers buys characterized?
How are the objects that Mrs. Sommers buys characterized?
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Why is analyzing the historical context of A Pair of Silk Stockings important for understanding Mrs. Sommers?
Why is analyzing the historical context of A Pair of Silk Stockings important for understanding Mrs. Sommers?
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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.
Social Context and Gender Expectations
- 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.
Historical and Social Insights
- 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.
Studying That Suits You
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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.
