Comparing Story Of An Hour, Mrs. Sommers And Desiree's

In the late nineteenth century, women were perceived as weak and were often mistreated by their husbands. Men were seen as more superior to women. They were expected to obey their husband, they were trapped inside their husbands bubble. The inspiring stories, “The Story of an Hour”, “A Pair of Silk Stockings”, and “Desiree’s Baby” all implement Kate Chopin’s view of women in society. Throughout the short stories, Mrs. Mallard, Mrs. Sommers and Desiree all portrayed how women were dominated by their husband. The position of the women protagonist highlights the author’s view of woman in society because of how women were oppressed by their husbands in marriages. Chopin highlights how women acted as slaves to their husband throughout the short

“A Pair of Silk Stocking” is a prime example of how men and women freedoms were unbalanced. Mrs. Sommers did not have much money herself, but she still managed to take care of her children. Mrs. Sommers neighbors though that Mrs. Sommers had “better days… before she had ever though of being Mrs. Sommers.” (“Silk Stockings” 1). Mrs. Sommers life has changed negatively after she got married. The wives had to do most of the work, while the husband did nothing. Mrs. Sommers sometimes had to starve because she had to get the “children fed and the place righted, and preparing herself for the shopping.” (“Silk Stocking” 1). Mrs. Sommers did not eat at times because she was busy with all the chores and shopping she had to do. She was very materialistic because she never had so much money. She did not have much money, but when she did she spent it wisely. She tried tried to split the money amongst her children equally. She put her family first before herself. Mrs. Sommers wished that “the cable car would never stop anywhere, but go on and on with her forever.” (“Silk Stockings” 3). Chopin displays a jubilant woman that does not want to leave the luxurious society. This also illustrates that women during the time did not have much freedom. They could not enjoy themselves as they wished. Women were trapped inside their husbands circle, but after he died they were relieved because they got

When Desiree realized that her baby was black, she asked Armand “Tell me what this means!” Armand replied by saying “that the child is not white; it means that you are not white.” (“Desiree’s Baby” 3). Desiree did not even think to about questioning Armand about how he knows that Desiree is white. She just accepted it and moved on. She cried to her mother and told her it is not true. Armand blames Desiree because he baby is black. He blamed her to get away with it because he wanted her to leave. Armand expresses his cruelty towards his wife and child. Armand no longer had feelings for Desiree because “of the unconscious injury she had brought upon his home and name.” (“Desiree’s Baby 3). Armand demanded her to leave the house and never come back for something Armand did wrong. This just explains how men were abusing their wives and blaming them for whatever they did wrong. It was unfair how men treated women. Armand knew that he was part black due to his “reputation as a harsh slave master supports the presumption that he has known about his own part-Negro ancestry all along.” (Literary Criticism 1). Armand knew that he was part black, but he refused to confess to Desiree that he was. This presents how women were neglected and oppressed. Women did not question men, they assumed that they were always right. Chopin displays how women were being