In Kate Chopin’s short story “A Respectable Woman,” Mrs. Baroda is a married woman who is invited to a weekend retreat at the plantation of her friend, Gouvernail. She is tempted to accept the invitation, but is hesitant because of her husband’s disapproval. Despite her husband’s wishes, Mrs. Baroda decides to go and is soon overcome with a feeling of freedom and independence. At the plantation, Mrs. Baroda is drawn to Gouvernail, a young man who is a guest at the plantation. She is intrigued by his mysterious and aloof nature, and finds herself increasingly attracted to him. As the weekend progresses, Mrs. Baroda and Gouvernail become closer, and she begins to feel a strong connection to him. When the weekend is over, Mrs. Baroda returns home to her husband, but she is changed. She is no longer content with her marriage and is determined to find a way to be with Gouvernail. In the end, Mrs. Baroda decides to remain with her husband, but she is forever changed by her experience with Gouvernail.
By Kate Chopin · First published 1899 · Genre: Realism, Feminism, Romance