Theme Of Consumerism In A Pair Of Silk Stockings

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We all have gotten paid or saved up money to buy something expensive. From getting three dollars from the tooth fairy or getting your first real job paycheck, you always have the urge to take that money and go take a day out and spend it. In the short story by author Kate Chopin called “A Pair of Silk Stocking,” the main character receives fifteen dollars which she wants to spend on her kids, ends up spending it all on herself. This story takes place in the 1890’s and back then fifteen dollars is equivalent to four hundred dollars now. The main character, Mrs. Sommers. Takes a day out and goes around town spending her money. She goes to the shops and buys a pair of silk stockings, which she had been wanting for awhile. Mrs. Sommers ends up going out to dinner and then to the theatre. A huge theme of the short story focuses around the idea of consumerism. Consumerism is an increasing consumption of goods that are desirable. Mrs. Sommers shows her wants for the goods throughout the story. She goes around town buying things she doesn't need but buys them because she desires or wants them. Throughout the short story “ A Pair of Silk Stockings,” Kate Chopin uses the literary elements of conflict and symbolism to develop the theme of consumerism. …show more content…

Mrs. Sommers goes through self conflict and conflict with society. Chopin also uses the symbols of money and silk stockings to demonstrate the theme. Kate Chopin shows the theme of consumerism with the character Mrs. Sommers desire for luxury items. Chopin takes her time to develop the theme of her story by carefully elaborating the symbols of the story. Money as the main symbol portrays the theme excellently and outstandingly. While picking out the symbol the story all ties back to the theme consumerism. In Kate Chopin’s short story the theme is clearly stated as

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