Story Source: This text is a LibriVox recording, read by Lois Hill and is in the public domain.
Main Characters: Mrs. Baroda, Gaston (her husband), and Gouvernail (Gaston’s friend).
Setting: The story is set on a plantation during a week-long visit from Gaston’s friend.
Plot Summary
Introduction
Mrs. Baroda is initially displeased when her husband informs her of Gouvernail’s upcoming visit.
Gouvernail is a college friend of Gaston, and Mrs. Baroda has never met him but has imagined him to be cynical and unlikable.
Character Description
Gouvernail: Contrary to Mrs. Baroda’s expectations, he is not tall or cynical and does not wear eyeglasses. He is quiet, courteous, and seems to enjoy the plantation.
Mrs. Baroda's Impression: Initially, she finds him likable but puzzling; there are no apparent brilliant traits her husband mentioned.
Development
Gouvernail prefers sitting on the porch, smoking cigars, and engaging in conversations with Gaston.
Mrs. Baroda eventually spends time with him, trying to understand his personality.
She’s frustrated by his lack of requiring attention or entertainment.
Dialogue and Interaction
Mrs. Baroda expresses to Gaston that she finds Gouvernail tiresome and unusual in his behavior.
There is a conversation about Gaston’s perception of Gouvernail as a man of ideas.
Inciting Incident
Mrs. Baroda’s thoughts become confused when she sits on a bench beneath a live oak tree.
Gouvernail joins her, innocently, and hands her a scarf from her husband.
Despite her initial annoyance, she becomes captivated by his conversation and voice, leading her to a moment of internal struggle.
Climax
She experiences a conflict between her desires and her identity as a respectable woman. She refrains from acting upon her impulses.
Conclusion
Mrs. Baroda leaves for the city the morning after her encounter with Gouvernail.
She returns home only after Gouvernail departs.
There is a future talk of Gouvernail returning, which she initially opposes.
By the year’s end, Mrs. Baroda suggests Gouvernail visit again, indicating a change in her feelings.
Themes
Respectability and Desire: Mrs. Baroda’s struggle between her respectable identity and her newfound emotions for Gouvernail.
Understanding and Misunderstanding: The complexity of understanding another person beyond initial impressions.
Independence and Restraint: Mrs. Baroda’s decision to handle her emotional conflict privately and rationally.
Analysis
Chopin explores themes of inner conflict and societal expectations through Mrs. Baroda’s interactions with Gouvernail.
The story highlights the complexity of emotions and the personal battles that individuals face in maintaining societal roles.
The narrative leaves readers pondering the societal constraints on desires and personal identity.
Conclusion
The story ends with a noteworthy change in Mrs. Baroda’s attitude towards Gouvernail, hinting at her growth and maturity in understanding her emotions.