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Situational Irony
Style
Explanation and Analysis:
"A Pair of Silk Stockings" is written in an objective, realistic style. Chopin places great emphasis on character development rather than plot and uses a neutral narrative voice to explore the inner workings of Mrs. Sommers's mind.
In terms of syntax, short declarative sentences reflect Mrs. Sommers's desires. Simple and straightforward sentences like, "She was fastidious," and, "She was very hungry," help quickly convey Mrs. Sommers's temperament and her fundamental urges. Conversely, longer, more flowing sentences describe the fulfillment of her various desires. The list of foods at the restaurant, for instance, nicely captures this point:
She did not want a profusion; she craved a nice and tasty bite—a half dozen blue-points, a plump chop with cress, a something sweet—a crème-frappée, for instance; a glass of Rhine wine, and after all a small cup of black coffee.
The longer sentences create a slower pace that reflects the restaurant's leisurely atmosphere. As Mrs. Sommers relaxes into her day of luxury, the prose changes to reflect her momentary satisfaction. By contrast, the final page contains short, choppy sentences that mirror the way in which Mrs. Sommers is abruptly jolted out of her day of enjoyment:
The play was over, the music ceased, the crowd filed out. It was like a dream ended. People scattered in all directions.
In the first sentence here, asyndeton (the omission of any conjunctions) speeds up the already-short sentence. This creates a sense of lost control. Mrs. Sommers feels helpless because she must return from her "dream" to the reality of her everyday life.
Related Themes:
