Bayou fantasy circa 1897

This short story by Kate Chopin was written in the Louisiana Bayou country in the late 1890s. It was published in Vogue, and is considered to be a forerunner of modern feminism. Fifteen dollars back then would be getting close to $500 today. Blowing it all one afternoon in town would be hard to justify in a society where women were expected to sacrifice for their families. It is reminiscent of the 1980s "shop 'till you drop" mentality. It's interesting that pretending to have money again for an afternoon helped her self-esteem more than raising children did. There's a contrast in ascribed and achieved status for you! Truthfully, this story might be a forerunner to post-modern feminism, since it is very in the moment, and not at all future oriented. A modern feminist might have taken the money and started a glove factory. I don't even think you could really get away with this self-indulgent behavior today, not unless you came home with a wardrobe to last two years, not merely a handful of accessories. Although ticket prices for a moderately popular live performance today, not a sell out, in the afternoon, is a hundred dollars. It's an interesting portrayal of one of those moments when reality and fantasy become blurred.