A Respectable Woman – Kate Chopin

Author: Kate Chopin
Genre: Short Story
Class: 12
Book: English

Introduction

Kate Chopin was an American writer known for her stories about women’s lives and the choices they face. "A Respectable Woman" explores the quiet struggles of marriage, desire, and reputation. The story is admired for its subtle emotions and the way it questions what it means to be truly respectable.

Short Summary

Mrs. Baroda is unsettled by the visit of her husband’s friend, Gouvernail. She feels unexpected attraction and guilt, but chooses to keep her reputation and marriage safe, showing the pressures of society.

Detailed Summary

"A Respectable Woman" follows Mrs. Baroda, a thoughtful woman who values her good name and the comfort of her marriage. When her husband’s friend Gouvernail comes to stay, she is surprised by her growing feelings for him. These emotions are confusing and make her question her own sense of right and wrong.

As the days pass, Mrs. Baroda tries to avoid Gouvernail, but she cannot ignore her feelings. She even thinks about leaving the house to escape the situation. However, she decides to stay and face her emotions, determined not to let them control her actions. The story shows her inner struggle as she balances her desires with her sense of duty.

In the end, Mrs. Baroda chooses to act as a "respectable woman." She welcomes Gouvernail’s return, having made peace with her feelings and her role in society. Chopin’s story gently explores the tension between personal wishes and social expectations, leaving readers to wonder what true respectability really means.

Narrative Structure Breakdown

Exposition: Mrs. Baroda and her husband expect a visit from Gouvernail.
Rising Action: Mrs. Baroda is unsettled by Gouvernail’s presence and her own feelings.
Climax: She considers leaving but decides to stay and face her emotions.
Falling Action: She chooses to suppress her feelings and keep her reputation.
Resolution: Mrs. Baroda welcomes Gouvernail’s return, confident in her choice.

Themes & Meanings

Desire vs. Duty: The struggle between personal feelings and social expectations.
Marriage and Loyalty: The challenges and trust within a marriage.
Reputation: The importance of keeping a good name in society.
Self-Control: Choosing to do what is right, even when it is hard.

Character Sketches

Mrs. Baroda: A smart, self-aware woman who faces a quiet inner conflict and chooses to protect her marriage and reputation.
Gouvernail: A gentle, thoughtful guest who causes Mrs. Baroda’s feelings to surface, though he is unaware of her struggle.
Mr. Baroda: A supportive husband, trusting and kind, unaware of his wife’s inner conflict.

Important Vocabulary

Respectable: Considered good and proper by society.
Desire: A strong feeling of wanting something or someone.
Restraint: Holding back one’s feelings or actions.
Reputation: The opinion others have about someone’s character.
Conflict: A struggle between different feelings or choices.

Exam-Style Q&A

Q: Why is Mrs. Baroda unsettled by Gouvernail’s visit?
A: She feels unexpected attraction and struggles with her emotions.
Q: What does Mrs. Baroda decide to do about her feelings?
A: She chooses to stay, control her feelings, and protect her marriage.
Q: What is the main theme of the story?
A: The conflict between personal desire and social duty.
Q: How does the story end?
A: Mrs. Baroda welcomes Gouvernail’s return, confident in her choice to be respectable.
Q: Why is reputation important in the story?
A: It shapes how Mrs. Baroda acts and how others see her.

PDF Download Note

Click print in your browser and choose ‘Save as PDF’ to download this summary.