NEB grade 12 2nd Story A Respectable Woman By Kate Chopin

2nd Story 

                                                 A Respectable Woman

                                                                         By Kate Chopin 

"A Respectable Woman" is a short story by Kate Chopin, first published in 1894. Kate Chopin is known for her exploration of female independence, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly within the confines of 19th-century American society.

Setting

The story is set in the late 19th century in Louisiana, which was a common backdrop for Chopin’s works. It takes place in a rural, somewhat isolated environment, highlighting the traditional, conservative values of the time, particularly around marriage and social respectability.

Plot

The story centers on Mrs. Baroda, a respectable woman married to a man named Dr. Baroda. The couple lives on a plantation, and Mrs. Baroda is initially portrayed as the ideal wife: conservative, well-mannered, and content in her life. The plot begins when her husband’s old friend, Governor Alcee Arobin, visits them. Mrs. Baroda is initially wary of Alcee, feeling uncomfortable with his flirtatious behavior and his influence over her husband. However, she becomes intrigued by him over time, and their interactions lead to an emotional and sexual tension that she has not experienced before. She struggles with her feelings of desire and guilt, feeling conflicted between her self-image as a respectable woman and the new emotions Alcee awakens in her. At the story’s conclusion, she chooses to leave for a while, hoping the distance will help her reconcile her conflicting emotions. 

Main Characters

1. Mrs. Baroda

Role: Protagonist

Description: A refined, intelligent, and self-controlled woman who prides herself on being "respectable." She is married to Gaston Baroda and lives on a plantation in Louisiana. When her husband's friend, Gouvernail, visits, she becomes emotionally and physically attracted to him, leading to an internal conflict between her desires and her identity as a loyal wife.

2. Gaston Baroda

Role: Mrs. Baroda’s Husband

Description: A kind, trusting man who is fond of his wife and respectful of her views. He invites his old friend Gouvernail to visit their home, unaware of the emotional turmoil it causes his wife. He sees Gouvernail as harmless and cannot understand Mrs. Baroda’s discomfort.

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3. Gouvernail

Role: Gaston’s Friend

Description: A quiet, introspective, and gentle man who works as a journalist. Though not conventionally attractive or charming, he unknowingly captures Mrs. Baroda’s interest. His calm and reserved nature contrasts with her expectations and challenges her emotional stability.

Themes

1.  Sexuality and Desire: One of the primary themes of "A Respectable Woman" is the inner conflict between societal expectations of respectability and personal desires. Mrs. Baroda’s attraction to Governail forces her to confront her own sexual identity and the tension between social propriety and personal fulfillment.

2. Marriage and Identity: The story examines the role of women within marriage. Mrs. Baroda’s relationship with her husband, Dr. Baroda, seems stable and predictable, but her emotional reaction to Alcee Arobin reveals the complexity of her inner world. This suggests that marriage does not necessarily fulfill all of a woman's needs and desires.

3.  Conformity vs. Individuality: Mrs. Baroda’s internal conflict reflects the larger theme of societal expectations versus personal autonomy. Her struggle with the desire for Governor Arobin challenges the conventional idea of what it means to be a “respectable woman” in a conservative society.

4.  The Role of Women: The story subtly critiques the limitations placed on women’s roles and the ways in which these roles conflict with their personal growth and desires. Mrs. Baroda’s evolving feelings and her decision to retreat highlight the tension between being a conventional wife and exploring one’s deeper emotional and sexual identity.

Summary

"A Respectable Woman" by Kate Chopin is a story that revolves around the inner conflict of Mrs. Baroda, a married woman who experiences a complex emotional and physical attraction to her husband's friend, Gouvernail. The story takes place in Louisiana, where Mrs. Baroda and her husband, Mr. Baroda, live on a plantation. Mrs. Baroda is initially portrayed as the epitome of a respectable woman—conservative, composed, and entirely devoted to her husband. When Gouvernail visits the Barodas, Mrs. Baroda feels uneasy about his flirtatious nature and the way he behaves around her. She finds his charm unsettling, but is determined to remain polite and maintain her sense of propriety.

As the story progresses, Mrs. Baroda’s feelings toward Gouvernail become more complex. Despite her initial discomfort, she becomes attracted by him, drawn to his personality and confident manner. Gouvernail, aware of her growing attraction, continues to act in a flirtatious manner, which causes Mrs. Baroda to feel conflicted. She is torn between her emotions and her desire to uphold her identity as a respectable wife. She finds herself experiencing a kind of longing and desire that she never thought she would feel, especially for a man who is not her husband. This internal conflict makes her increasingly uncomfortable with herself and her feelings.

The emotional tension reaches its peak when Mrs. Baroda finds herself alone with Gouvernail, and their interaction deepens. She begins to question her role as a wife and the societal expectations placed upon her as a “respectable” woman. Although she does not act on her attraction, the emotional charge between them is noticeable. She is left grappling with her desire and guilt, unable to reconcile the woman she is expected to be with the woman she feels herself becoming in the presence of  reconcile. Her inner turmoil is evident as she reflects on her reaction to the situation.

By the end of the story, Mrs. Baroda decides to withdraw and take a break from the situation by leaving for a while. She hopes that this physical distance from Gouvernail   will allow her to regain her composure and resolve her feelings. She expresses a desire for time to “sort herself out” and regain her sense of control. The story ends ambiguously (unclear), with Mrs. Baroda’s future actions uncertain, but it is clear that the encounter with Gouvernail has fundamentally changed her, highlighting the tensions between societal expectations, personal desires, and the complexity of human emotions.

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

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

Mrs. Baroda was unhappy with the information about Gouvernail's visit to their farm because she had strong reservations about him. Gouvernail was her husband's friend, and while Dr. Baroda seemed to view him as a pleasant and familiar presence, Mrs. Baroda found him somewhat unsettling. She felt uncomfortable with the idea of his visit, especially as she was unsure of his character and manner. Mrs. Baroda was accustomed to a peaceful, well-ordered life on the farm, and the idea of having an unfamiliar man stay with them disrupted her sense of control over the household. Her initial discomfort stemmed from Gouvernail’s flirtatious nature, which she sensed might challenge the traditional, respectful boundaries she valued. This tension foreshadows her deeper internal conflict with him during his stay.

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

Gouvernail was different from Mrs. Baroda's expectations in several ways. Initially, Mrs. Baroda expected him to be an intrusive, overly flirtatious, or inappropriate presence, based on her initial discomfort and the way she had imagined him. However, upon meeting Gouvernail, she found that he was actually quiet, reserved, and not at all as forward or imposing as she had feared. Instead of being the charming and charismatic man she had anticipated, Gouvernail was more unassuming and somewhat awkward, which made Mrs. Baroda feel even more conflicted.

She had expected Gouvernail to be a man who would disrupt her life and challenge the order she had in her marriage, but he was, in fact, more gentle and less overtly confident than she had anticipated. His calm demeanor and lack of flirtation made Mrs. Baroda feel somewhat guilty for her earlier judgments, and she became even more intrigued by him. This contrast between her expectations and the reality of his personality contributed to her growing emotional conflict, as she started to feel an unexpected attraction to him, despite initially believing he would be a source of discomfort.

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

Mrs. Baroda compares Gouvernail to her husband, Dr. Baroda, and finds him to be quite different in several key ways. While Dr. Baroda is portrayed as a steady, dependable, and somewhat predictable figure, Gouvernail, in Mrs. Baroda’s eyes, represents a contrast. Gouvernail is more reserved and introspective, lacking the outward charm or flirtatious nature that might have drawn her attention initially. In fact, his calm, almost detached demeanor makes him stand out as a figure who is, in some ways, more emotionally mysterious and intriguing than her husband, whose personality she feels she already knows well.

While Dr. Baroda is described as reliable and familiar, Mrs. Baroda finds Gouvernail's quiet nature unsettling, yet alluring. Gouvernail’s manner of not imposing himself on her or her husband in an obvious way allows Mrs. Baroda to view him as somewhat enigmatic. This difference causes her to experience a new sense of curiosity and attraction, which she does not feel toward her husband. In comparing Gouvernail to Dr. Baroda, Mrs. Baroda is confronted with the realization that she desires something beyond the stable but predictable nature of her marriage, highlighting her internal conflict and emotional turmoil.

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

Mrs. Baroda tried to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits because she became intrigued by him and wanted to engage with him more. Initially, Gouvernail was quiet, reserved, and kept to himself, which made Mrs. Baroda feel both curious and somewhat frustrated. She found his aloofness and detachment alluring yet unsettling, and her growing attraction to him led her to desire a deeper connection with him.

To change his solitary habits, Mrs. Baroda made efforts to include Gouvernail in more social activities and to encourage him to interact more with her and her husband. She invited him to join them for meals and tried to engage him in conversation. Her aim was to draw him out of his reclusive nature, hoping that his involvement in the household would make him more approachable and open, thus allowing her to better understand him and perhaps foster a closer relationship.

However, Gouvernail remained largely unchanged in his behavior, which only intensified Mrs. Baroda’s internal conflict. Her attempts to alter his solitary habits reflect her desire to bridge the emotional and social gap she felt between them. Her frustration with his lack of response ultimately contributed to her feeling of emotional turmoil, as she struggled to reconcile her growing attraction to him with the social and marital expectations she held.

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

In "A Respectable Woman", Gaston (Mrs. Baroda’s husband) disagrees with his wife, Mrs. Baroda, on Gouvernail's character by defending him as a man of integrity and good nature, in contrast to the judgment Mrs. Baroda forms based on her initial discomfort. While Mrs. Baroda finds Gouvernail to be quiet, reserved, and somewhat enigmatic, leading her to feel uneasy and conflicted, Gaston sees him as an old friend with no ulterior motives. He describes Gouvernail as a person who is neither flirtatious nor imposing, but rather someone who is simply shy and introspective.

Gaston is puzzled by his wife's reservations about Gouvernail, believing that she is overreacting and misinterpreting his character. He cannot understand why she feels discomforted by someone who is, in his view, harmless and a good companion. This difference in their perceptions adds tension between the couple, as Mrs. Baroda’s feelings of attraction and confusion about Gouvernail grow, while Gaston remains completely oblivious to the emotional complexities his wife is experiencing. The contrast in their views highlights the divide between Mrs. Baroda’s internal conflict and Gaston’s more straightforward and trusting approach to their guest.

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

At the end of "A Respectable Woman", Gaston is surprised by his wife’s expression because it reveals an unexpected and uncharacteristic change in her behavior. Throughout the story, he has seen his wife as composed, self-controlled, and entirely devoted to him. However, when she expresses a desire to leave for a while after Gouvernail's visit, Gaston is taken aback. He does not understand the depth of her internal conflict or the emotional turmoil she has been experiencing in response to Gouvernail's presence. Her decision to retreat and her ambiguous expression suggest that something has shifted within her, though Gaston is unaware of the full extent of her feelings and inner turmoil.

Gaston is surprised because he cannot comprehend the reasons behind his wife’s decision to withdraw. He believes that the visit from Gouvernail has been uneventful, and he perceives her unease as a mere passing discomfort. Gaston’s surprise comes from his failure to see that his wife’s attraction to Gouvernail and the emotional conflict it stirred in her have led to a significant, though unspoken, change in her. The expression Mrs. Baroda gives at the end, combined with her decision to leave, signals to Gaston that his wife is not the simple, predictable woman he thought he knew so well.

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 cause of conflict in Mrs. Baroda’s mind arises from her internal struggle between her role as a "respectable woman" and her growing attraction to Gouvernail, her husband's friend. Mrs. Baroda sees herself as a woman defined by social propriety, a role that demands loyalty, self-control, and restraint, particularly within her marriage. However, Gouvernail’s reserved yet intriguing presence awakens emotions and desires in her that she has never experienced before. She feels torn between her desire to maintain her respectful, composed identity and the powerful, unexpected feelings of attraction she develops toward him. This internal conflict forces Mrs. Baroda to confront the limitations of her role as a "respectable woman" and the complexity of her own emotional and sexual identity.

Mrs. Baroda’s identity as a "respectable woman" plays a critical role in the story, as it shapes her reactions and decisions throughout the narrative. In the context of the late 19th-century setting, "respectability" for women was closely tied to their adherence to societal expectations, particularly in marriage. Mrs. Baroda, being the epitome of this respectable ideal, believes she must remain emotionally and physically loyal to her husband, Dr. Baroda. However, her attraction to Gouvernail challenges this notion and makes her feel guilty, conflicted, and out of control. Her struggle highlights the tension between the rigid social constructs of respectability and the personal, emotional desires that often contradict them. In the end, her decision to leave for a while and reflect on her feelings can be seen as an attempt to regain control over her identity as a "respectable woman," even though this conflicts with her evolving self-awareness and desires.

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

Gouvernail is a quiet, introspective, and reserved man who contrasts sharply with the more familiar and outgoing characters around him, especially Dr. Gaston. He is a long-time friend of Gaston, but unlike many social visitors, Gouvernail is solitary and somewhat detached. His aloofness initially unsettles Mrs. Baroda, but as the story progresses, his enigmatic nature becomes intriguing to her. Gouvernail’s emotional restraint and lack of overt charm or flirtation create a sense of mystery that stirs unexpected feelings in Mrs. Baroda. He doesn’t try to engage with her directly but instead keeps to himself, which paradoxically leads to her deepening attraction and internal conflict. Gouvernail represents the unknown and the complexity that challenges Mrs. Baroda's carefully constructed image of herself as a "respectable woman."

In contrast, Gaston, Mrs. Baroda’s husband, is open, confident, and emotionally transparent. He is familiar and predictable, providing a stable and comfortable life for his wife. Gaston is unbothered by Gouvernail’s quiet demeanor, assuming their guest's introversion is simply part of his nature. He trusts Gouvernail completely and sees no reason to doubt his character. Gaston’s straightforward, self-assured personality stands in stark contrast to Gouvernail’s emotional complexity and reticence, and he is unaware of the tension brewing between his wife and Gouvernail. While Gaston represents stability and the conventionality of married life, Gouvernail introduces an element of unpredictability and emotional awakening, leading Mrs. Baroda to confront desires that challenge her sense of self.

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

Mrs. Baroda does not disclose her feelings toward Gouvernail to her husband, Dr. Baroda, because she is deeply conflicted and feels guilty about the attraction she experiences. Throughout the story, she views herself as a "respectable woman," and revealing her feelings would challenge the image of loyalty, composure, and propriety that she believes is expected of her as a wife. Her internal conflict arises from the fact that she is attracted to Gouvernail, yet she is committed to maintaining the stability and respectability of her marriage. Confessing her emotional turmoil to her husband would not only disrupt the status quo but also expose her vulnerability, something she is reluctant to do.

Additionally, Mrs. Baroda’s feelings toward Gouvernail are complex and somewhat unexpected. She is drawn to him despite his quiet, reserved nature, which makes her question her own desires and sense of self. Disclosing her emotions to Gaston might not only cause embarrassment but could also strain her relationship with him, as she does not want to hurt or betray his trust. Instead, she tries to deal with her feelings internally, hoping that distance and time away from Gouvernail will help her regain control over her emotions. In the end, she chooses silence and withdrawal as a way of coping with her inner turmoil without confronting the issue directly with her husband.

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?

The last three sentences of "A Respectable Woman" reveal a significant shift in Mrs. Baroda's attitude toward Gouvernail. After her time away from him, she returns with a newfound sense of clarity and acceptance. The twist lies in her decision to no longer view her feelings toward Gouvernail as a conflict to be suppressed or hidden. She acknowledges her attraction to him, but rather than being overwhelmed or guilt-ridden by it, she seems to have come to terms with the complexity of her emotions. The fact that she expresses a kind of resigned acceptance, coupled with her desire to maintain distance from him, suggests a recognition of the natural, human complexity of desire and attraction, which contrasts with her earlier attempts to repress these feelings.

In the final lines, it is clear that Mrs. Baroda has shifted from an internal battle of guilt and repression to a more accepting, if still conflicted, stance. She no longer feels as if her emotions are an infringement upon her identity as a "respectable woman." Instead, she understands that desire can exist alongside the constraints of respectability, and she seems to resign herself to the fact that these feelings are part of her, even if they will not be acted upon. This shift reveals her growth, as she moves away from denial to a more nuanced, self-aware perspective on her desires and her place within the expectations of her marriage.

Reference beyond the text

a. The entry of an outsider into a family has been a recurring subject in both literature and films. Narrate a story real or imaginative where an outsider’s arrival destroys the intimate relationship between the husband and the wife and causes break up in marital relationship without direct fault of anyone. Anton’s Chekhov’s story ‘About Love’ is a story on this subject.

Title: The Intruder

In a quiet, peaceful village nestled by the hills, Sarah and James had built a life together. Their marriage, though not without its small disagreements, was filled with mutual respect, love, and the shared joy of quiet companionship. Sarah had always enjoyed their little cottage with its small garden, where James tended to the flowers and vegetables while she painted or read. Their life together was simple, and they found comfort in each other's presence, with no room for anything that could disrupt their harmony.

However, this peaceful existence was disrupted one summer when Sarah's old friend, Clara, arrived at their doorstep. Clara had been Sarah’s closest friend during her university years, but after Sarah married James, the two had grown apart. Clara, an adventurous and free-spirited woman, had chosen a life of travel and career over settling down. She had seen the world, and now, weary from a recent failed relationship, she sought solace in the calm of Sarah’s home. James, though initially indifferent, welcomed Clara, hoping to make her feel at ease in their home.

At first, Clara’s presence seemed harmless. She brought a spark of energy to the house that both Sarah and James had been missing for a while. She would tell stories of distant places, new cultures, and the people she had met. Sarah, who had always been somewhat reserved, began to open up more with Clara, reminiscing about the days they spent together in their youth. James, too, found himself enjoying Clara’s company. Her lively personality was a welcome change from the routine of their daily lives. However, as days passed, subtle shifts began to occur.

Clara, with her worldly charm, began to slowly eclipse the quiet intimacy Sarah and James had shared. James found himself drawn to Clara’s vivacity, captivated by her stories of adventure and her confident, carefree attitude. He started spending more time with Clara, talking late into the night, while Sarah began to feel a growing sense of distance from both of them. What began as a friendly connection between the three gradually turned into an unspoken emotional rivalry. Sarah’s insecurities crept in as she realized how much of an impact Clara had on her husband. She found herself withdrawing, retreating to her art or her books, avoiding the dynamic that was slowly shifting the balance of her marriage.

Neither James nor Clara consciously intended to create such a rift. Clara did not seek to steal James’ affection, nor did James want to betray Sarah. Yet, the arrival of the outsider into their home, with her free-spirited nature and stories of a life full of experiences, unknowingly challenged the foundation of Sarah and James’ relationship. Sarah, feeling both alienated and hurt, began to question her own role in the relationship. She felt that she could not compete with Clara’s youthful exuberance and the new energy she had brought into their home.

One evening, after a long day, Sarah sat with James, who had been absent-mindedly watching Clara prepare for her departure. The air between them had grown thick with unspoken words. Sarah, with quiet tears in her eyes, told James that she needed space to rediscover herself, away from Clara’s presence. James, though still unaware of the depth of the emotional chasm between them, agreed to give her the time she needed. Clara left soon after, sensing the tension, and Sarah and James were left alone to face the truth that their bond had weakened in ways they hadn’t realized.

In the weeks that followed, Sarah found herself questioning if their love could ever return to its former closeness. The arrival of Clara had introduced a crack in the foundation of their marriage, one that was too fragile to repair with simple apologies or explanations. The emotional distance had been created not by any fault of Clara or James, but by the intrusion of a third presence into a relationship that had once felt impenetrable. It wasn’t that they didn’t love each other anymore, but the intimate connection they once shared had been fractured, and it felt impossible to put back together.

Their marriage, once filled with quiet contentment, now stood on the edge of an uncertain future. The arrival of the outsider had not been the direct cause of their eventual breakup, but it had undeniably shifted the balance, making them realize that their love, though deep, was vulnerable to the forces that could change it—an outsider’s presence, a shift in attention, and an unspoken emotional rivalry that no one had seen coming.

b. Mrs. Baroda makes an expectation about Gouvernail even before meeting him. Suppose you are a mature girl/boy and your family members are giving you pressure for getting married. Write in about 200 words describing what qualities you would like to get in your future husband/wife.

As a mature individual, I understand the importance of marriage and the responsibilities it entails. While I do acknowledge the pressure from family members to settle down, I believe that marriage should be built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. The qualities I would seek in a future spouse would go beyond superficial traits and focus on emotional compatibility, shared values, and a genuine connection.

First and foremost, I would want my partner to be compassionate and empathetic. The ability to understand and support each other through both good and challenging times is essential in a lasting relationship. I would also value someone who is honest, transparent, and communicates openly—without these, any relationship risks becoming strained and fragile. Humor is another quality I highly appreciate; life is often stressful, and having a partner who can bring joy and laughter into everyday situations is invaluable.

Equally important is shared intellectual and emotional growth. I would want someone who encourages my ambitions, respects my individuality, and who also has a sense of independence and self-awareness. Finally, loyalty and kindness would be at the core of our partnership. Ultimately, I want to build a life with a partner who not only shares common goals but also values the personal growth and happiness of both individuals within the marriage.