Pair of Silk Stockings

Pair of Silk Stockings Synopsis

In "e;A Pair of Silk Stockings"e;, Mrs. Sommers, a once wealthy woman who has fallen on hard times comes into possession of a small fortune of $15. Planning to spend the money on clothing for her children, she becomes sidetracked at a shop counter, entranced by the smoothness of a pair of silk stockings. She goes on to spend the money on the stockings as well as new boots and gloves for herself. In succumbing to "e;mechanical impulses that direct her action"e;, Mrs. Sommers resembles Edna Pontellier, the heroine of Kate Chopin's later masterpiece The Awakening. First published in Vogue in 1897.