As you know from many years of reading literature, writers may state the message of a story directly, or they may simply suggest its themes using a story's structure or symbols. In either case, there will be some sections of the story that relate more closely to a theme than other sections. When you write or talk about your ideas related to a story's theme, you can use these sections as evidence. Look at this example of a theme statement for "The Story of an Hour"—followed by two types of textual evidence that support the theme.
Theme: The freedom to pursue one's own needs and desires is key to living a balanced, enriching life.
Direct Quote: "When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!" The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body."
Summarized Detail: Mrs. Mallard plans to "live for herself" and assert herself in what she hopes will be a long, fulfilling life.
Note that stories, and especially longer works of fiction such as novels, often have more than one theme. Another theme in "The Story of an Hour" is that disappointment can be devastating. The best textual evidence for this theme can be found in the last sentence of the story.
Click the Activity button to access a worksheet that you will use to track and record themes in "A Pair of Silk Stockings." Be sure to include textual evidence from the story to support your ideas about theme. When you have completed this worksheet, submit it to your teacher.
Look at the rubric below to see how you will be graded.
| Points | Criteria | |
| Reading Comprehension 2 points |
1 | Your answers show that you've completely read and understood Kate Chopin’s short story A Pair of Silk Stockings. |
| 1 | You make inferences that go beyond the words on the page, showing an appreciation of Kate Chopin’s true purpose and message. | |
| Analysis 2 points |
1 | You think of original and valuable insights relating to a central theme in Kate Chopin’s work. |
| 1 | You reveal how Kate Chopin uses literary elements such as character, plot, setting, structure and figurative language to develop and explore this theme. | |
| Evidence 2 points |
1 | You find explicit and implicit evidence from A Pair of Silk Stockings to support your theme or insight. |
| 1 | You include summaries, direct quotes, and your own words and ideas to support your main argument. |
