A Pair of Them Stockings

538 Words3 Pages
1. “A Pair of Silk Stockings” about Mrs. Sommers, a mother of several children. Mrs. Sommers has received an unexpected $15.00. For days, she struggles to decide how she should spend the money; she decides spending on her children is the best choice. She plans to get new shoes for her daughter, some fabric to make clothing, new stockings, and hats for all the children. She feels excited about her children’s new outfits and pleased that the purchases will save her time in “darning,” and last longer than the clothing she is usually able to afford. On the day of the shopping spree, she feels tired because she had not eaten. She prepares to fight the crowds in order to find the best deals. While at the store and resting at one of the counters, her hand touches a pair of silk stockings. She then finds that the stockings are on sale. She becomes hypnotized by them and completely forgets about the plan to buy the children new clothes. She buys the stockings and stops by a fitting room to change into them. The purchase of the silk stockings leads to more frivolous purchases. She goes to the shoe department and buys herself some boots. She purchases gloves, magazines, and an expensive, satisfying meal. Finally, she treats herself to a play at the theatre, where she sits next to some upper-class women. Once the play is over, she realizes that she must go home. She makes her way to the cable car, but wishes it would never stop. This indicates her lack of desire to return home. 2. A Pair of Silk Stockings is written in third person limited, as the audience only knows the thoughts and feelings of Mrs. Sommers and sees the rest of the characters externally only. The story could be more interesting if the story was written in first person of a character we know very little about, such as the store clerk who sold Mrs. Sommers her silk stockings or even the man on the cable car.

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