Individual Motivation

The Effect Motivation Has on an Individual's Course of Action

Individuals are constantly searching for a way to create the perfect life they dream. Motivation gives them the drive and desire to obtain specifically what they are in need of. In the short stories The Painted Door, by Sinclair Ross, and A Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin, the idea that motivations alter the way humans process and interpret information is developed. Ross demonstrates this by using Ann to question her choices during the experiences she faces. Chopin, on the other hand, explores how individuals initiative's alter our behavior. Motivations that individuals experience affect one’s course of action because of their desire to fill what is missing inside them, regardless

These may be materialistic items that are filling a gap in one’s life, or it could be emotional, spiritual feelings that someone is seeking. Materialistic and emotional desires are explored within these two short stories. Motivation is what compels both Mrs. Sommers and Ann to follow through with their plans. Without this drive and passion, individuals are unable to fully commit to their course of action. A Pair of Silk Stockings, represents how motivations can be used in many different ways. First, Mrs. Sommers motivation was to support her family. This shows how she was cautious for her actions and how they could positively affect other people. This made Mrs. Sommers “restless and wakeful with anticipation.” Once her motives changed into a personal desire, is when Mrs. Sommers lost sight in plan. The moment she “not move in the direction of the bargain counter,” was when her motivation began to work against her. Being able to own items that were of higher quality drove Mrs.Sommers to “hastily” spend her money. Although individuals will always face different initiatives when placed in alternative situations. In Ann’s perspective, her desire was not to obtain materialistic items, but more to have a spiritual connection. Ann was searching for something deeper with a greater meaning. When she didn’t find it within her husband, she looked for it in Steven. One of Ann’s motives was

In these two very different short stories, they share a common emotion between the two main characters. Both, in the end, experience guit. To an extent, both of these women felt guilty because of the actions they took. The desire to have something they didn’t already have caused the women to attack their urges so carelessly. Ann’s pursuit for affection and attention left her with a much worse outcome than Mrs. Sommers. Sinclair Ross demonstrates how Ann’s feelings drove her away from her husband. When she needed to feel a form of relevance and importance she turned to people who made her feel so, such as Steven. He plays a large role in Ann’s guilt since he was “sharing her guilt”. When Ann is constantly reminded of John, the reader can understand how she feels guilty about being with Steven. Her every-other thought about her missing husband reminds us how individuals act without regards to others. Ann’s motivation to find passion and affection that had been absent from her husband, leaves John dead. Ann now has to live with the idea that the actions she took, without the thought of its effect on others, will keep her feeling guilty. Ann’s disregards are responsible for the outcomes she faced. Mrs. Sommers although, felt guilt to a different extent. She was only left wishing that her “cable car would never stop”. Mrs. Sommers felt that she did not want to return