Kate Chopin

A Pair of Sild Stocking & Lilacs by Kate Chopin
Marcel Castelli
Kate Chopin expresses her writings in a unique way. She uses words of today rather than those of the the American Romantics. These stories are sometimes hard to comprehend because the use of the old language can puzzle the reader. The progression in writing has increased since these time periods for the better. Kate and other writers make thier stories more interesting and enjoyable to read. She includes some suspense into her writings which makes us want to further read to get to the ending. Another part of Kate's writings that interested me was how she would end her stories. The reader is able to use thier own imagination in ending the story becuase she doesnt just come out and say it. She leaves you with little details which can mean multiple things could have happened.
When reading ''A Pair of Silk Stockings'', I saw how Kate was trying to bring out a young woman with some issues. She has this money which is a large amount in her eyes but is unsure as to what should be done with it. She first thinks of her children and how they are in a big need of new clothes but somehow becomes very greedy. She goes out and buys all new things for herself. I feel that the theme if this story is money doesn't by love. The women is enjoyinh all her nice and expensive clothes and accessories thinking it was going to change other peoples' veiw of her when in realilty that is not what people want. What matters to people is the person inside. Maybe Kate wrote this because she may realize people act this way although the outcome of this fake life style doesn't always come with love.
One the other hand, when reading ''Lilacs'', I got the impression that this woman is stuck between two different lives. She has the fun but hardworking life and then the being a nun worshiping God side. She is undeicied of what she really intends to do. While caught in her confusion the other nuns agree that they are fed up with visits if she is just going to go back to her daily routine once she leaves. They agree to let her know she is unable to come back. I belive the theme of this story is deceit. She is confused about which life to follow and misleads herself and those around her. She figures that going back and holding onto the better life would make her a better person when in realilty thats just in her head. The nuns become mad because they know she wasn't trying with her whole heart. Kate could have experienced or know somone who was unaware of the path thier life would lead. She is thinking you cant change your ways unless you really put your mind to do it. Thinking it and doing it are two different actions and sooner or later the people you are trying to convince aren't going to believe you anymore.
I think Kate is trying to get her words out to all growing people. She is trying to give lessons on how people should be living by giving real life experiences. When reading these stories I get the big picture on life. A person can not go about all parts of life in a careless manner. I feel you should have somewhat of a plan to go by in order to live out your life correctly. If you are still unaware of what u want by your middle ages then you need to start looking fast. Something that drew me very close to Kate is just that reason. She takes her views on a different level. Kate is trying to get out what most people are scared to say. If you are still lost by the middle ages you're not going to want to announce it and also, if you are a selfish person you're not going to want to admit that. I like the fact that Kate makes her writings interesting and make me want to keep reading. Like I said before, she adds suspense which makes you want to just see what happens in the end. In the story “Lilacs”, Kate writes, ‘But Adrienne did not delay her respects to the Mother Superior, whose dignity would not permit her to so much as step outside the door of her private apartments to welcome this old pupil. She kissed Adrienne without warmth….’ After reading this section of the story I now know there is tension between some of the nuns and Adrienne which makes me want to engage more into the story.
Overall I was pleased with the ideas of Kath Chopin's stories and wish to find more on her. She brings interests into her words which many writers lack. For any student to understand and enjoy a story, they have to find interest in it. If not, they are going to find themselves straying away from the meaning of the story. Kate doesn't have this problem and gets her points across very well.