Summary of A Respectable Woman by Kate Chopin

 

Tittle Meaning

A woman  who is respected because of her identity and dignity of being a wife.

Setting Of the Story

Set in a peaceful sugar plantation

OR

The setting of the short story "A Respectable Woman" by Kate Chopin is primarily a plantation in Louisiana, specifically the home of Gaston and Mrs. Baroda. The story takes place in the late 19th or early 20th century. The plantation setting provides a backdrop for the interactions and emotions of the characters. The story also briefly mentions the city where Mrs. Baroda travels to for a short period.

Overall, the story's setting contributes to the atmosphere and context of the characters' relationships and struggles.

Main Plot

The main plot of the short story "A Respectable Woman" by Kate Chopin revolves around the inner conflict and emotions experienced by Mrs. Baroda, a married woman, when her husband's friend, Gouvernail, comes to stay at their plantation. As the story unfolds, the following key elements are explored:

1. Introduction: Mrs. Baroda's husband, Gaston, invites his friend Gouvernail to stay with them at their plantation. Mrs. Baroda is curious about Gouvernail but finds him unremarkable initially.

2. Attraction and Inner Conflict: Over time, Mrs. Baroda begins to feel an unexpected and growing attraction towards Gouvernail. This attraction creates an internal struggle for her, as she grapples with her feelings and tries to maintain her sense of propriety.

3. Attempts at Connection: Mrs. Baroda tries to engage Gouvernail in conversation and spends time with him, hoping to understand her own feelings better. She seeks to break down his reserve and learn more about his personality.

4. Desire and Self-Control: Mrs. Baroda battles her own desires and impulses, recognizing her feelings for Gouvernail but also realizing the importance of maintaining her reputation and being a respectable woman.

5. Resolution: Mrs. Baroda ultimately decides to leave the plantation temporarily, departing for the city. She returns only after Gouvernail has left their home. Her decision to confront her emotions and then distance herself from Gouvernail signifies her internal resolution of the conflict.

6. Change and Acceptance: After Gouvernail's departure, Mrs. Baroda surprises her husband by suggesting that they invite him back to visit. This gesture shows her evolution in understanding her feelings and the acceptance of her own emotional complexity.

Throughout the story, the main plot revolves around Mrs. Baroda's struggle to reconcile her attraction to Gouvernail with her sense of responsibility as a married and respectable woman. The narrative explores themes of desire, self-control, and the complexity of human emotions.

OR

In "A Respectable Woman," Mrs. Baroda, a married woman, welcomes her husband's friend Gouvernail to their plantation. As Gouvernail stays, Mrs. Baroda becomes unexpectedly attracted to him, causing an inner conflict. She tries to connect with Gouvernail, battles her desires, and eventually decides to leave temporarily to sort out her feelings. When she returns, she suggests inviting Gouvernail back, showing her acceptance of her emotions and personal growth. The plot revolves around Mrs. Baroda's struggle with her attraction and her journey towards understanding and self-acceptance.

Characters

1. Mrs. Baroda: The protagonist of the story, a respectable woman who is married to Gaston. She experiences inner conflict and attraction towards Gouvernail, Gaston's friend.

2. Gaston: Mrs. Baroda's husband and the host of Gouvernail. He is a sugar planter and friend of Gouvernail.

3. Gouvernail: A friend of Gaston who comes to stay with them. He is initially perceived as unremarkable and quiet, and Mrs. Baroda finds herself attracted to him, causing inner turmoil.

These three characters drive the central conflict and themes of the story.

SUMMARY

"A Respectable Woman" is a short story about a lady named Mrs. Baroda, who lives with her husband Gaston. They invite Gaston's friend, Gouvernail, to stay with them. At first, Mrs. Baroda is unsure why she likes Gouvernail, as he seems quiet and unremarkable. Gouvernail enjoys the plantation's relaxed atmosphere and spends time talking with Gaston. Mrs. Baroda is intrigued by Gouvernail but also feels a bit bothered by him.

As time passes, Mrs. Baroda tries to connect with Gouvernail and spends time with him. She discovers that she's attracted to him but resists these feelings. Eventually, she decides to leave their home for a while to avoid her growing emotions. She leaves for the city and returns only after Gouvernail has gone.

Later, Mrs. Baroda surprises Gaston by suggesting that they invite Gouvernail back to visit. Gaston is happy that she has overcome her dislike for Gouvernail, not realizing that her change of heart is due to her overcoming her own feelings of attraction. The story highlights Mrs. Baroda's inner struggle and her decision to keep her emotions to herself, showing that some battles must be faced alone.

GLOSSARY

1. Respectable: Worthy of respect; considered to have good moral character.

2. Novelist: A person who writes novels, which are long fictional stories.

3. Short-story: A brief work of fiction that focuses on a single plot, character, or theme.

4. Brought up: Raised or educated.

5. New Orleans: A city in the United States, located in Louisiana.

6. Anthologized: Included in a collection of selected works.

7. Connotations: Suggested meanings or associations of a word or phrase beyond its literal definition.

8. Frankness: Openness or honesty, especially in discussing sensitive topics.

9. Refrained: Held back or abstained from doing something.

10. Interpreted: Understood the meaning of; explained the significance.

11. Structured: Organized or arranged in a particular way.

12. Conflict: A struggle or disagreement between characters or within a character's mind.

13. Exposition: The beginning of a story where characters and setting are introduced.

14. Rising action: Events that build tension and lead to the climax of the story.

15. Climax: The most intense or exciting part of a story, where the conflict reaches its peak.

16. Resolution: The conclusion or ending of the story where the conflict is resolved.

17. Mute: Silent or not speaking.

18. Receptive: Open and willing to receive or accept something.

19. Courteous: Polite, well-mannered, and respectful.

20. Eagerness: Enthusiasm or willingness to do something.

21. Sociably: In a friendly and sociable manner.

22. Penetrate: To enter or pierce through.

23. Puzzled: Confused or uncertain.

24. Piqued: Annoyed or irritated.

25. Unconciliated: Not reconciled or brought into agreement.

26. Diffident: Lacking self-confidence, shy.

27. Acquiescence: Agreement or acceptance without protest.

28. Philosophic: Having a calm and accepting attitude towards life.

29. Apostrophe: A figure of speech where a person addresses something abstract or not present as if it were present.

30. Predominant: Main or most important.

31. Sensible: Practical, reasonable, and showing good judgment.

32. Tempted: Attracted to do something, often something that may not be wise.

33. Yielded: Gave in or succumbed to.

34. Folly: Foolishness or lack of good judgment.

35. Desire: A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something.

36. Strenuous: Intense or requiring a lot of effort.

37. Overcome: To successfully deal with or defeat something.

38. Chereamie: A term of endearment, similar to "dear" or "sweetheart."