Kate Chopin -- Short Fiction

Notes and Discussion Questions

"At the 'Cadian Ball" (1892) -- Discussion Questions:

1. Why does each person go to the ball -- Bobinot, Alcee, Calixta, Clarisee?

2. What is the history between Calixta and Alcee?

3. Why is Alcee attracted to Calixta? Why is Calixta attracted to Alcee? Why is Bobinot attracted to Calixta? Why is Clarisse attracted to Alcee? Why is Calixta seemingly not attracted to Bobinot?

4. What is Clarisse's role in this story?

5. Why does Calixta consent to marriage with Bobinot?

6. Construct the "social ladder" as it is presented in this story. Who is on top? Who is in the middle? Who is at the bottom? Are there different "ranks" within each of these three general groups?

7. What is the central idea or theme?

"At the 'Cadian Ball" (1892) -- Reading Notes:

• Hierarchies of Southern Society:

  • Race

  • Class

  • Gender
     

• Southern Louisiana Locale

  • Courting

  • Jealousy, Scandal, Affair

  • Consent to marry without emotion

  • Acknowledgement of love

  • Constructions and Interconnectedness of Class Power and Sexual Desire
     

• Superior-Class Status for CREOLES -- (e.g., Clarisee and Alcee) -- They are descendants of the original French and Spanish settlers of Louisiana.
   

• Lower-Class Status for CAJUNS ('Cadians) -- (e.g., Calixta and possibly Bobinot) -- They are descendants of the French colonists who were exiled from Acadia (in Nova Scotia) by the British in the 18th century. Apparently, they are not considered "white." And within the rank of Cajuns ("'Cadians"), status is granted according to racial characteristics that are viewed as European rather than African.

  • Calixta had a Spanish-Cuban mother -- this means more status for her.

  • Racial characteristics for Bobinot -- European and African -- "Brown" -- Not considered White.
     

• Lowest-Class Status for BLACKS -- (e.g., Bruce)

  • Mulatto = 1/2 Black and 1/2 white

  • Quadroon = 1/4 Black