A Respectable Woman: Summary and Exercise | Class 12 English Notes | NEB
A Respectable Woman by Kate Chopin
Summary for Class 12 NEB Students
Kate Chopin (1851–1904) was an American novelist and short-story writer known for her exploration of women’s emotions, social expectations, and personal freedom. Born Katherine O’Flaherty in St. Louis, she spent much of her adult life in New Orleans, where she wrote novels and over a hundred short stories. Her works, including The Awakening and A Respectable Woman, focus on the inner lives of women navigating societal pressures, often challenging conventional norms of marriage, desire, and morality. Chopin’s stories are celebrated for their psychological depth and subtle treatment of complex emotions, making her a significant figure in American literature.
In A Respectable Woman, the story revolves around Mrs. Baroda, a married woman who experiences an unexpected emotional attraction to her husband’s friend, Gouvernail. When she learns that he will stay at their plantation for a while, she initially feels irritated, as she had hoped to spend quiet, relaxing time with her husband, Gaston. Her mental image of Gouvernail, formed from her husband’s descriptions, is that of a tall, cynical, and imposing man. However, upon meeting him, she discovers that he is gentle, calm, and unassuming, which surprises her. This meeting sparks an internal conflict as Mrs. Baroda finds herself drawn to his presence, despite her attempts to maintain propriety and uphold her sense of being a “respectable woman.”
As the story develops, Mrs. Baroda’s feelings become increasingly complicated. She notices Gouvernail’s quiet attentiveness and simple manners, and while she identifies his ordinary traits, she is captivated by him in subtle ways. Moments of private interaction, including walks and evening conversations, intensify her internal struggle between desire and social decorum. When Gouvernail presents her with a scarf and speaks with her intimately, Mrs. Baroda experiences a temptation to express her affection physically but restrains herself, guided by her self-respect and societal expectations. In the end, she chooses to leave for the city until Gouvernail departs, preserving her composure and propriety. The story concludes ambiguously, leaving readers to reflect on the tension between personal desire and social respectability, highlighting Chopin’s exploration of emotional restraint and moral consciousness.
Glossary
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tete-a-tete (n.): a private conversation between two people
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cynical (adj.): distrustful of others’ motives
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portico (n.): a porch or covered entrance
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Corinthian (adj.): decorative, based on the style of ancient Corinth
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velvety (adj.): smooth, soft, and rich in texture
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piqued (adj.): offended or annoyed
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batture (n.): low-lying riverside land
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mabelle (adj.): French for “my beautiful”
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unconciliated (adj.): uncompromised; not resolved
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cravat (n.): a short necktie or scarf worn by men
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whiff (n.): a brief smell
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temptation (n.): desire to do something wrong or unwise
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strenuous (adj.): requiring great effort or energy
Before Reading
a. How do you feel if someone lives in your house as a guest for a long time?
I feel annoyed if someone stays in my house as a guest for a long period without any specific or productive purpose. However, if the guest stays for a meaningful reason, it is acceptable.
b. Have you ever changed your opinion about a person after meeting him or her?
Yes, I have changed my opinion about a person after meeting him. For example, I once had a negative impression of a person living on the second floor of my house. However, his polite, helpful nature and positive behavior completely changed my view about him.
Understanding the Text
a. Why was Mrs. Baroda unhappy with the information about Gouvernail’s visit to their farm?
Mrs. Baroda was planning to spend a peaceful period with her husband and enjoy undisturbed conversations. Therefore, she was unhappy to learn about Gouvernail’s visit.
b. How was Gouvernail different from Mrs. Baroda’s expectations?
Mrs. Baroda imagined Gouvernail as a tall, cynical man wearing sunglasses with his hands in his pockets. However, when she met him, she found him quiet, polite, courteous, and not at all as she had imagined.
c. How does Mrs. Baroda compare Gouvernail with her husband?
Mrs. Baroda compares Gouvernail, a journalist, with her husband Gaston, a sugar plantation owner. She finds Gouvernail quiet and reserved, whereas Gaston is sociable, affectionate, and deeply devoted to her.
d. Why and how did Mrs. Baroda try to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits?
Mrs. Baroda wanted Gouvernail to become more sociable because she felt uncomfortable with his silent and reserved nature. She attempted to involve him in conversations and social interactions to make him more adaptable.
e. How does Gaston disagree with his wife regarding Gouvernail’s character?
Gaston disagrees with his wife’s opinion and describes Gouvernail as an intelligent, sociable, and interesting person rather than a dull and unapproachable individual.
f. Why is Gaston surprised by his wife’s expression at the end of the story?
Gaston is surprised because Mrs. Baroda herself suggests inviting Gouvernail again, which was completely unexpected considering her earlier discomfort.
Reference to the Context
a. What causes the conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind? How does her identity as a “respectable woman” shape the story?
Mrs. Baroda experiences inner conflict when she feels attracted to Gouvernail, her husband’s friend. AAlthough Mrs. Baroda develops romantic feelings for Gouvernail, her sense of morality and social responsibility prevents her from acting on those feelings. Her decision to control her emotions and remain loyal to her husband defines her as a respectable woman.
b. Sketch the character of Gouvernail and contrast it with Gaston.
Gaston is friendly, expressive, and deeply affectionate towards his wife. He is a successful sugar planter and a caring husband. In contrast, Gouvernail is quiet, reserved, and introspective. While Gaston represents stability and warmth, Gouvernail symbolizes temptation and emotional conflict.
c. Why does Mrs. Baroda not reveal her feelings to her husband?
Mrs. Baroda realizes that some emotional struggles must be faced alone. She understands the moral consequences of revealing her feelings and chooses to control her emotions rather than disrupt her marital relationship.
d. How do the last three sentences change the reader’s understanding of Mrs. Baroda?
The final lines suggest that Mrs. Baroda has overcome her inner conflict. HHowever, they also create uncertainty about whether her emotions are fully resolved or simply suppressed, which adds psychological depth to the story.
Reference Beyond the Text
a. Narrate a story where the arrival of an outsider disrupts a marital relationship.
In Anton Chekhov’s story About Love, the arrival of Alyohin in the life of Anna and her husband gradually creates emotional turmoil. Though no one commits a moral crime, suppressed emotions and unexpressed love lead to suffering and separation, similar to the conflict seen in A Respectable Woman.
b. What qualities would you like in your future life partner?
Marriage is a lifelong commitment and should be approached thoughtfully. I would prefer a partner who is loving, respectful, emotionally mature, financially responsible, supportive of my decisions, and capable of maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. Mutual respect, understanding, and communication are essential components for a successful marriage.
As a wife, I would like to get the following qualities in my future husband:
- Emotionally supportive and caring
- Respectful towards family and values
- Good communication skills
- Financially independent
- Understanding and patient
- Honest and trustworthy
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