A  Respectable Woman | Exercise With Summary | Grade 12 | English

Summary of "A Respectable Woman" by Kate Chopin:

"A Respectable Woman" is a short story by Kate Chopin that explores the emotional conflict experienced by Mrs. Baroda, an upper-class woman, when a family friend, Gouvernail, visits their farm. Initially, Mrs. Baroda is uneasy about Gouvernail's visit, but as she gets to know him, she finds him to be different from her expectations. Gouvernail is quiet and solitary, contrasting with her outgoing husband, Gaston.

As Mrs. Baroda becomes increasingly fascinated by Gouvernail, she tries to change his solitary habits by encouraging him to socialize. This leads to tension in her relationship with Gaston, who senses a shift in her attitude. The story takes an unexpected turn in the last three sentences, revealing Mrs. Baroda's inner conflict and her decision to distance herself from Gouvernail.

Understanding the Text:

a. Why was Mrs. Baroda unhappy with the information about Gouvernail’s visit to their farm?

Mrs. Baroda was initially unhappy with Gouvernail's visit because it introduced discomfort and emotional conflict into her life, challenging the harmony of her married life with Gaston.

b. How was Gouvernail different from Mrs. Baroda’s expectation?

Gouvernail differed from Mrs. Baroda's expectations by being quiet and solitary, in contrast to the more outgoing and sociable nature she had anticipated.

c. How does Mrs. Baroda compare Gouvernail with her husband?

Mrs. Baroda compares Gouvernail to her husband Gaston, noting differences in their personalities. Gaston is outgoing, while Gouvernail is reserved, becoming a source of tension.

d. Why and how did Mrs. Baroda try to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits?

Mrs. Baroda attempted to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits to better understand him and perhaps bridge the emotional distance between them. She encouraged him to be more social, but Gouvernail remained reserved.

e. How does Gaston disagree with his wife on Gouvernail’s character?

Gaston disagrees with his wife as he senses a change in her attitude, perceiving the growing emotional distance between them due to Mrs. Baroda's increasing fascination with Gouvernail.

f. Why is Gaston surprised with his wife’s expression towards the end of the story?

Gaston is surprised because he observes his wife's inner conflict and her decision to distance herself from Gouvernail, going against their established marital dynamics.

Reference to the Context:

a. What is the cause of conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind? What role does Mrs. Baroda ‘being a respectable woman’ play in the story?

The conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind arises from her unexpected feelings for Gouvernail. Her role as a respectable woman adds to the conflict as societal expectations clash with her unconventional desires.

b. Sketch the character of Gouvernail and contrast it with Gaston.

Gouvernail is quiet, reserved, and solitary, while Gaston is outgoing and sociable. The contrast in their characters contributes to the tension in Mrs. Baroda's emotions.

c. Why does Mrs. Baroda not disclose her feelings towards Gouvernail to her husband?

Mrs. Baroda refrains from disclosing her feelings to Gaston to avoid causing further tension and conflict in their marriage.

d. The last three sentences of the story bring a kind of twist. After reading these three sentences, how do you analyze Mrs. Baroda’s attitude towards Gouvernail?

In the last three sentences, Mrs. Baroda's attitude towards Gouvernail shifts as she decides to maintain emotional distance, choosing to adhere to societal norms rather than pursue her unconventional desires.

Reference Beyond the Text:

a. Narrate a story where an outsider’s arrival destroys the intimate relationship between the husband and the wife without direct fault.

In a quiet town, the arrival of a charismatic artist disrupts the marital harmony between Emma and Mark. The artist's presence awakens dormant desires in Emma, creating an emotional rift. Unintentionally, the outsider becomes the catalyst for a gradual breakdown in the couple's relationship.

b. Describe the qualities you would like in your future husband/wife.

As a mature individual, I value qualities such as honesty, kindness, shared values, and a sense of humor in a future partner. Communication, mutual respect, and emotional support are crucial for a strong and lasting relationship. I seek a companion who is supportive of personal growth and committed to building a life together based on trust and understanding.