Kate Chopin’s ‘respectable woman’ is unhappy when her husband invites an old school friend to visit instead of spending time together. She decides to be polite but not friendly towards the man but, despite her efforts, feels a growing sexual attraction towards him. Months later, after visiting an Aunt for the remainder of his stay, she suggests to her husband that his friend be invited again, telling him: I have overcome everything! Overcome what? Does she plan to remain a ‘respectable woman’? Themes include female sexuality, desire vs. self-restraint, infidelity vs. loyalty and social conventions, identity (quest for selfhood).
