Symbolism:
* The silk stockings: These are the primary symbol in the story. They represent Mrs. Sommers' desire for pleasure, beauty, and escape from her mundane life. They are a symbol of luxury and indulgence, and their color (black) can be interpreted as both elegance and a slight transgression against societal norms.
* The "small, worn purse": This is a symbol of Mrs. Sommers' limited financial resources and her usual life of frugality. It contrasts sharply with the extravagance of the silk stockings.
* The "street car" and "taxi": These represent the temporary freedom and exhilaration Mrs. Sommers experiences as she moves through the city.
Irony:
* Situational irony: The story presents a contrast between Mrs. Sommers' usual life of responsibility and her brief moment of self-indulgence. The irony lies in the fact that she uses money meant for her children to purchase something for herself.
* Dramatic irony: The reader is aware of Mrs. Sommers' financial limitations, but she remains oblivious to the consequences of her spending. This creates tension and highlights the potential for her actions to have negative repercussions.
Imagery:
* Sensory details: The story uses vivid descriptions of the silk stockings, the "smooth, cool texture" of the shoes, and the "glimmering lights" of the city to create an immersive experience for the reader. These descriptions appeal to the senses and contribute to the atmosphere of luxury and pleasure.
* The depiction of the city: The city is portrayed as a place of temptation and opportunity, with "shining shops" and "gay crowds." This imagery contrasts with the "dull" and "dreary" reality of Mrs. Sommers' everyday life.
Foreshadowing:
* The "heavy purse" and "money left over": These details foreshadow the potential consequences of Mrs. Sommers' spending spree. The reader understands that the money she is spending is not her own and that she may face hardship as a result.
Theme Development:
* The use of contrast: The story contrasts Mrs. Sommers' usual life of poverty and sacrifice with her brief moment of luxurious indulgence. This contrast highlights the themes of desire, escape, and the challenges of reconciling personal needs with societal expectations.
* The focus on internal conflict: Mrs. Sommers' internal conflict between her desire for pleasure and her sense of responsibility for her family is vividly depicted. The reader is aware of her guilt and self-doubt even as she succumbs to temptation.
Other Techniques:
* Stream of consciousness: The story is told from Mrs. Sommers' point of view, allowing the reader to experience her thoughts and feelings directly.
* Dialogue: The limited dialogue in the story serves to emphasize Mrs. Sommers' inner thoughts and actions.
These literary devices work together to create a rich and complex story that explores themes of desire, self-indulgence, and the complexities of women's lives in the late 19th century.