Setting of the story

The usual setting of most of Kate Chopin’s stories is Louisiana; many of her works are set in Natchitoches,which is the northern part of Louisiana. But it’s not stated in the story under analysis, where the events described take place. The setting is realistic and is described in a detailed way: “ She left them crowded into the narrow strip of shade on the porch of the long, low house; the white sunlight was beating in on the white old boards; some chickens were scratching in the grass at the foot of the steps, and one had boldly mounted, and was stepping heavily, solemnly, and aimlessly across the gallery. There was a pleasant odor of pinks in the air, and the sound of negroes' laughter was coming across the flowering cotton field.”Though there are no indicators of place and time, one may assume that the time is spring, as the flowers blossom.

From “Regret”: “She let her head fall down on her bended arm, and began to cry. Oh, but she cried! Not softly, as women often do. She cried like a man, with sobs that seemed to tear her very soul.”

This is the audio version of a story and i"m happy because now i have an opportunity not only to read,but to hear it=) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmjzlaawhRg

                                                       

                                                     
                Short information about author

Kate Chopin, born Katherine O'Flaherty (February 8, 1850 — August 22, 1904), was an American author of short stories and novels. She is now considered by some to have been a forerunner of the feminist authors of the 20th century.From 1892 to 1895, she wrote short stories for both children and adults which were published in such magazines as Atlantic Monthly, Vogue, The Century Magazine, and The Youth's Companion. Her major works were two short story collections, Bayou Folk (1894) and A Night in Acadie (1897). In 1990 Chopin was honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame,and in 2012 with a bronze bust at the Writer's Corner in St. Louis, Missouri.

                                                    Summary of the story
This short story is about Mamzelle Aurelle who is still single at the age of 50. She has never been married; in fact, she has never been in love. She is alone except for her dog named Ponto and her workers who are negroes. One day, her young neighbor Odile has to visit her sick mother, leaving her four children to Mamzelle Aurelle who has never experienced taking care of even one kid. She struggles and complains in watching over them, especially the baby. She pours out her disgust and complaints about the kids to her cook named Aunt Ruby. However, as the days pass, she finds that she actually enjoys caring for them, thus the feeling of emptiness when Odile comes to take them back at the end of two weeks. Soon after they all leave, Mamzelle Aurelle cries so hard, like a man, and she is not even aware that Ponto is already licking her hand.

I hope it will be really interesting to read this short but,as for me,quite impressive story!The title of the story intrigued me immediately!I think that Kate Chopin is a great author and her stories deserve to be read and evaluated...