A Respectable Woman

The short story "A Respectable Woman" is structured around the character of Mrs Baroda and her inner conflict as she finds herself attracted to her husband's friend. The conflict follows the pattern of classical fiction and moves from exposition to rising action and then to climax and resolution.

(The character of Mrs Baroda and her inner conflict as she finds herself attracted to her husband's friend are central to the short story "A Respectable Woman." The struggle follows the traditional structure of classical narrative, progressing from exposition to mounting action, climax, and resolution.)

In the beginning, Mrs Baroda is upset to find that her husband's friend Gouvernail is intending to spend a week or two at their plantation, as she had planned a period of rest and talk with her husband Gaston Baroda after they had been busy all winter. She has never met Gouvernail, despite being aware that he and her husband were college buddies and that he is now a journalist.

(Mrs Baroda is initially dismayed to learn that her husband's friend Gouvernail plans to visit their plantation for a week or two, as she had planned a period of rest and conversation with her husband Gaston Baroda after they had been busy all winter. Despite the fact that he and her husband were college friends and that he is now a journalist, she has never met Gouvernail.) 

At first, She has a mental image of him as a tall, slim, cynical man, which she dislikes, but when she meets Gouvernail, who is slim but neither tall nor cynical, she discovers that she likes him. Mrs Baroda is unsure why she likes Gouvernail because she does not see all of Gouvernail's positive characteristics. He doesn't appear intelligent, but in reaction to her excitement to welcome him and her husband's hospitality, he appears quiet and kind. He makes no effort to impress her in any way, and he enjoys sitting on the portico and listening to Gaston describe sugar plantation, although he dislikes fishing and hunting.

(She has a mental image of him as a tall, skinny, cynical man, which she dislikes at first, but when she meets Gouvernail, who is slim but not tall or cynical, she realizes she likes him. Mrs Baroda isn't sure why she likes Gouvernail because she doesn't perceive all of his excellent qualities. He doesn't appear intelligent, but he appears quiet and nice in response to her excitement to welcome him and her husband's hospitality. He makes no attempt to impress her and prefers to sit on the portico and listen to Gaston explain the sugar plantation, despite his disdain for fishing and hunting.)

She finds Gouvernail puzzling, yet charming and unoffensive. She initially leaves him alone with her husband, but as she works to overcome his nervousness, she begins to accompany him on walks. Her husband informs her that he will be staying another week and inquires as to why she does not want him to. Gaston is delighted when she says that she prefers him to be more demanding.

(Gouvernail is perplexing to her, but lovely and unoffensive. She initially leaves him alone with her husband, but as she works to overcome his anxiety, she starts walking with him. Her husband tells her he'll be staying another week and asks why she doesn't want him to. When she admits she prefers him to be more demanding, Gaston is ecstatic.)

Mrs Baroda claims that she expected Gouvernail to be more interesting. Gaston tells her that he does not expect a commotion over his visit and that he just wants a break from his busy life. She sits alone on a bench later that night, puzzled and desiring to leave the plantation, having told her husband that she might go to the city in the morning and stay with her aunt. 

(Mrs Baroda argues that Gouvernail was supposed to be more fascinating. Gaston assures her that he does not expect a ruckus as a result of his visit, and that all he needs is a vacation from his hectic schedule. Later that night, she sits alone on a bench, perplexed and longing to leave the plantation, having told her husband that she might go to the city and stay with her aunt in the morning.)

Gouvernail notices her and sits next to her, unaware of her discomfort with his presence. Gouvernail, on Gaston's behalf, hands her a scarf and speaks about the night, and his quietness fades as he talks for the first time. He tells her about his childhood and his wish for a peaceful existence. She is drawn to his voice more than his words, and she considers drawing him closer, despite her resistance because she is "a respectable woman." She eventually leaves, but Gouvernail stays behind to conclude his talk for the evening. She wants to tell Gaston about her peculiar foolishness, but she understands that she must deal with this emotion on her own. 

(Gouvernail observes her and takes a seat next to her, oblivious to her distress. On Gaston's behalf, Gouvernail hands her a scarf and tells about the night, and his silence dissipates as he speaks for the first time. He tells her about his childhood and his desire to live in peace. She is more captivated to his voice than his words, and despite her reluctance since she is "a respectable woman," she considers drawing him closer. She goes eventually, but Gouvernail stays to finish his discourse for the evening. She wants to inform Gaston strange behavior, but she realizes that she will have to cope with this emotion on her own.)

Mrs Baroda goes for the city the next morning and does not return until Gouvernail has left. Gaston requests that Gouvernail return the next summer, but she rejects. She subsequently changes her mind, much to her husband's surprise, who assures her that Gouvernail did not deserve her disapproval. She kisses her husband and vows that she has "overcome everything" and will now treat him with more respect.

(Mrs Baroda leaves the next morning for the city and does not return until Gouvernail has gone. Gaston asks Gouvernail to return the following summer, but she declines. Her husband is surprised when she changes her mind, and assures her that Gouvernail does not deserve her condemnation. She loves her spouse and promises to treat him with greater respect now that she has "overcome everything.")