A Respectable Woman

 

Summary:

"A Respectable Woman" is a sort story written by Kate Chopin. It explores the internal conflict of Mrs. Baroda, who becomes unexpectedly attracted to her husband's friend, Gouvernail, during his visit to their plantation. At first, she had preconceived notions about Gouvernail that he would be tall, slim, and cynical, but he turns out to be quite different. Despite her initial dislike, she grows to like him but remains puzzled by his personality.

As Gouvernail spends time at the plantation, Mrs. Baroda tries to understand him better and becomes piqued by his apparent indifference to her. She even leaves them alone together but eventually joins him in his activities. Her husband, Gaston, is surprised by her change in attitude and praises her for it. However, Mrs. Baroda keeps her inner turmoil a secret.

One night, as they sit together, Mrs. Baroda is strongly tempted to act on her feelings for Gouvernail but resists. She leaves him alone and departs for the city the next morning. When she returns, she suggests having Gouvernail visit again, surprising her husband with her change of heart.

The story highlights the inner conflict of a respectable woman, Mrs. Baroda, who grapples with her attraction to Gouvernail but ultimately chooses to keep her feelings hidden. It explores themes of desire, societal expectations, and the complexities 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 been looking forward to a period of rest and undisturbed time alone with her husband, Gaston. Gouvernail's unexpected visit disrupted her plans for a peaceful and intimate tete-a-tete with her husband.

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

Gouvernail was different from Mrs. Baroda's expectations in several ways. She had imagined him as tall, slim, cynical, and possibly aloof, but he turned out to be neither very tall nor cynical. He didn't wear eyeglasses, and he didn't exhibit the haughty or indifferent demeanor she had anticipated. Instead, he was courteous and receptive, making no direct appeal to her approval or esteem.

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

Mrs. Baroda compares Gouvernail with her husband in terms of their personalities and behavior. She had initially considered Gouvernail to be less promising and less interesting than Gaston, her husband. While Gaston was outgoing and talkative, Gouvernail appeared reserved and quiet. This comparison and her evolving feelings for Gouvernail create a sense of inner conflict for Mrs. Baroda. d. Why and how did Mrs. Baroda try to change Gouvernail’s solitary habits?

Mrs. Baroda tried to change Gouvernail's solitary habits by imposing her company on him. She accompanied him on his walks and sought to break through the reserve that he had unconsciously built around himself. She wanted to understand him better and perhaps draw him out of his shell.

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

Gaston disagrees with his wife on Gouvernail's character because he sees Gouvernail as a clever and talented man. He believes that Gouvernail is deserving of their hospitality and sympathy, especially since he is currently run down by overwork. Gaston appreciates Gouvernail's qualities more than his wife does. f. Why is Gaston surprised with his wife’s expression towards the end of the story?

Gaston is surprised with his wife's expression towards the end of the story because she suggests having Gouvernail visit them again, which goes against her earlier unwillingness and desire for a period of rest. This change in attitude puzzles and delights him. 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 is her growing attraction to Gouvernail despite her status as a respectable woman and her commitment to her husband. The societal expectations and her own moral values create a dilemma for her, as she is torn between her desire and her duty.

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

Gouvernail is portrayed as a reserved, quiet, and inoffensive man who has undergone a shift from his ambitious and idealistic college days to a more philosophical and accepting outlook on life. In contrast, Gaston is outgoing, talkative, and appreciates Gouvernail's qualities more than his wife initially does.

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

Mrs. Baroda does not disclose her feelings towards Gouvernail to her husband because she realizes that there are some battles in life that one must fight alone. She is aware of the societal norms and expectations placed upon her as a respectable woman and chooses to keep her inner confusion a secret.

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 the story reveal that Mrs. Baroda has not only overcome her dislike for Gouvernail but has also developed a desire to be very nice to him. This suggests that her attitude towards Gouvernail has changed significantly, and she may be open to exploring her feelings for him further, even though she doesn't explicitly state her intentions. 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.

The Outsider's Intrusion: A Tale of Marital Disintegration

Once upon a time in a quiet suburban neighborhood, Sarah and Michael enjoyed a blissful marriage. They were deeply in love and spent their days in harmony. But their world was about to change when Sarah's childhood friend, Alex, came to stay with them temporarily. Alex was a charming and charismatic individual who quickly integrated himself into their lives. Sarah had fond memories of their childhood friendship, and she welcomed him with open arms. Michael, too, extended his hospitality, believing that having a guest would bring more joy to their home. However, as days turned into weeks, Michael began to notice a change in Sarah's behavior. She seemed more interested in Alex's stories and opinions than in their own conversations. Slowly, a divide crept into their relationship. Michael grew jealous of the time Sarah spent with Alex, and Sarah, in turn, felt suffocated by Michael's constant watchfulness. Despite no direct fault on anyone's part, the once-loving couple drifted apart. Their intimacy waned, and misunderstandings multiplied. Sarah, torn between her affection for her childhood friend and her commitment to her husband, found herself unable to bridge the emotional gap. In the end, Sarah and Michael decided to separate, recognizing that the outsider's intrusion had irreparably damaged their once-happy marriage. Alex, oblivious to the chaos he had unwittingly caused, left their lives as suddenly as he had entered, leaving behind a shattered marital bond. 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.

My Ideal Life Partner

As I contemplate marriage, I envision a life partner with qualities that resonate with my aspirations and values. In my future spouse, I seek not perfection but compatibility. First and foremost, I desire someone with strong values and integrity. Honesty and trust are the foundation of any enduring relationship. A partner who shares my commitment to these principles would be invaluable. Empathy is another quality I hold dear. I want a spouse who not only listens but understands, who can share in my joys and sorrows, and who values kindness and compassion as much as I do. Compatibility in interests and goals is crucial. I hope to find a partner who shares my passions and supports my ambitions, someone with whom I can build a life filled with shared dreams and adventures. Communication skills are vital. A partner who can engage in open, honest, and respectful dialogue is essential to resolve conflicts and strengthen our bond. Humor and laughter should not be overlooked. I envision a life filled with joy, and a partner who can make me smile even in the toughest of times is precious. Lastly, a strong sense of partnership is key. I hope to find a spouse who sees our marriage as a team effort, where we face life's challenges and celebrate its victories together. In conclusion, my ideal life partner would possess qualities that align with my values and dreams, fostering a loving and harmonious partnership that stands the test of time.