“Regret” by Kate Chopin: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Regret” by Kate Chopin

“Regret” by Kate Chopin, first appeared in the May 1895 issue of Century magazine, was subsequently included within Chopin’s 1897 collection, A Night in Acadie. The story centers on Mamzelle Aurélie, an independent woman residing in Louisiana, and explores the themes of societal expectations, the weight of personal choices, and the complexities of family dynamics. Chopin’s characteristic use of local color is evident throughout, vividly portraying the cultural and social landscape of Louisiana. Beyond this regional setting, “Regret” delves into the emotional realities faced by women who dared to defy societal norms in the face of limited options. This exploration cements “Regret” as a noteworthy contribution to Chopin’s literary legacy.

Main Events in “Regret” by Kate Chopin

1. Unexpected Responsibility: Mamzelle Aurélie, a solitary woman on a farm, is unexpectedly entrusted with the care of her neighbor Odile’s four children due to a family emergency.
2. Initial Struggle: Mamzelle Aurélie faces initial challenges in adapting to the demands of childcare, lacking experience in nurturing young ones.
3. Learning and Adaptation: Over time, Mamzelle gradually learns to manage the children’s needs, seeking guidance from others like Aunt Ruby to navigate the challenges.
4. Emotional Attachment: Despite initial reluctance, Mamzelle forms a deep emotional bond with the children, finding unexpected joy in their company on the farm.
5. Mixed Emotions on Departure: As Odile returns to reclaim her children, Mamzelle experiences conflicting emotions, relieved by the end of her childcare duties yet saddened by their departure.
6. Return to Solitude: With Odile and the children gone, Mamzelle is overwhelmed by the return of silence and solitude to her farm, highlighting the void left by their absence.
7. Reflective Contemplation: Mamzelle reflects on the profound impact the children had on her life, acknowledging the unexpected happiness they brought to her solitary existence.
8. Cathartic Release: Despite her attempts to suppress her emotions, Mamzelle experiences a cathartic release, shedding tears that signify the depth of her attachment to the children.
9. Contemplation of Human Connection: The departure of Odile and the children prompts Mamzelle to contemplate the transient nature of human relationships and the longing for meaningful connections.
10. Themes Explored: “Regret” delves into themes of solitude, duty, and emotional fulfillment, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of human bonds and their lasting impact.

Literary Devices in “Regret” by Kate Chopin

Literary Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Characterization	Revealing a character’s traits through their actions, words, or thoughts	Mamzelle Aurélie is described as wearing “a man’s hat…and an old blue army overcoat” and being critical of the children.	This shows Mamzelle Aurélie’s practical, no-nonsense personality.
Direct Characterization	The author directly tells the reader about a character’s traits	“Mamzelle Aurélie had never thought of marrying. She had never been in love.”	The author explicitly states that Mamzelle Aurélie has chosen not to marry.
Foreshadowing	Hints about future events planted in the story	Mamzelle Aurélie thinks managing children is harder than “a dozen plantation.”	This foreshadows the challenges Mamzelle Aurélie will face caring for the children.
Internal Conflict	A character’s struggle within themselves	Mamzelle Aurélie struggles to adjust to having the children in her home.	She is used to being alone but must learn to care for the children’s needs.
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality	Mamzelle Aurélie, who rejected marriage and children, finds herself caring for Odile’s kids.	This is ironic because it goes against her life choices.
Metaphor	A comparison between two things that are not alike but share a similar characteristic	Ti Nomme’s kisses are described as “moist kisses—the expressions of an affectionate and exuberant nature.”	Affection is compared to moisture to show its warmth and intensity.
Personification	Giving human qualities to something nonhuman	The house is described as being “still” when the children leave.	Stillness is a human quality given to the house to emphasize the absence of the children’s energy.
Simile	A comparison between two things using “like” or “as”	Tears are described as “beating her cheek like the fanning of a bird’s wing.”	This simile shows the tenderness and lightness of Elodie’s breath.
Symbolism	An object that represents something else	The crib where the cattle are fed might symbolize Mamzelle Aurélie’s solitary life before the children arrived.	The crib represents her usual routine, disrupted by the children’s presence.
Theme	A central message or idea	The story explores the theme of regret, particularly Mamzelle Aurélie’s potential regret of not having children.	Her tears at the end suggest a longing she may not have admitted before.
Understatement	Downplaying the seriousness of a situation	Mamzelle Aurélie says managing children is “terrassen! Bonté!” (“terrible! Goodness!”).	This is an understatement, as her tears later show how overwhelmed she truly feels.
Juxtaposition	Placing two contrasting things side by side	The story moves from the chaos of the children to the quiet solitude of Mamzelle Aurélie after they leave.	This emphasizes the impact the children have on her life.

Characterization in “Regret” by Kate Chopin

Major Characters:

1. Mamzelle Aurélie:

• Strong, independent woman with a solitary lifestyle on a farm.
• Example: Mamzelle’s resolute demeanor and self-sufficiency are evident when she takes on the unexpected responsibility of caring for Odile’s children without complaint, despite her initial reluctance.

2. Odile:

• Neighbor of Mamzelle Aurélie who leaves her children in Mamzelle’s care due to a family emergency.
• Example: Odile’s abrupt departure and desperate plea for Mamzelle to look after her children highlight her reliance on Mamzelle’s kindness and sense of duty.

3. The Children (Elodie, Ti Nomme, Marcéline, and Marcélette):

• Represent the innocence and vulnerability of youth.
• Example: The children’s dependence on Mamzelle for care and guidance, as well as their playful interactions, reveal their need for maternal affection and stability.

Minor Characters:

1. Aunt Ruby:

• Offers guidance and advice to Mamzelle Aurélie on managing the children.
• Example: Aunt Ruby’s knowledge of childcare techniques, such as tying Ti Nomme in a chair when he misbehaves, assists Mamzelle in navigating the challenges of caring for the children.

2. Valsin:

• Odile’s husband, who accompanies her when she returns to retrieve the children.
• Example: Valsin’s presence signifies the family’s reunion and the resolution of the crisis that prompted Odile to leave her children with Mamzelle Aurélie.

3. Ponto (Mamzelle’s Dog):

• Symbolizes companionship and loyalty.
• Example: Ponto’s presence by Mamzelle’s side during moments of emotional turmoil, such as when she cries after the children leave, demonstrates the dog’s role as a source of comfort and support in Mamzelle’s solitary life.

Major Themes in “Regret” by Kate Chopin

1. Loneliness and the Yearning for Connection: Though fiercely independent, Mamzelle Aurélie’s life is marked by a quiet loneliness. The text describes her existing with just “her dog Ponto, and the negroes who lived in her cabins,” highlighting the isolation she has chosen. However, the arrival of the children disrupts this solitude, forcing her to confront a tenderness she may not have acknowledged. The story ends with her tears upon their departure, suggesting a yearning for connection that her self-sufficient life lacked.
2. Choices and the Weight of Regret: Mamzelle Aurélie’s past decision to forgo marriage and children becomes a central conflict. The story mentions she “had never thought of marrying” and “at the age of fifty she had not yet lived to regret it.” Yet, when faced with the children, a new perspective emerges. She learns their routines, “tied Ti Nomme in a chair” as instructed, and even “got down her sewing-basket…from the top shelf of the armoire.” These actions, though initially out of necessity, suggest a potential for regret over the life she hasn’t lived.
3. Societal Expectations and Individuality: Mamzelle Aurélie defies the societal norm of women nurturing families. She wears “a man’s hat…and an old blue army overcoat,” signifying her comfort in defying expectations. However, Odile’s arrival with the children throws this independence into question. The text mentions Odile’s “disfigured” face from “excitement,” hinting at the social pressure to prioritize motherhood. Mamzelle Aurélie’s tears at the end could be interpreted as a recognition of the societal value placed on nurturing, a value she may have previously rejected.
4. The Complexity of Family: While initially overwhelmed, Mamzelle Aurélie develops a bond with the children. She endures Ti Nomme’s “moist kisses” and learns to manage their needs. The story mentions, “It took her some days to become accustomed to the laughing, the crying, the chattering…” This growing comfort suggests a newfound appreciation for the complexities of family life, even if temporary.

Writing Style in “Regret” by Kate Chopin

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Regret” by Kate Chopin

Literary Theory	Interpretation of “Regret”	Examples	Analysis
Feminist Theory	Examines the social, political, and economic experiences of women.	* Mamzelle Aurélie’s independent lifestyle – “a man’s hat…and an old blue army overcoat” and living alone. * Odile’s reliance on Mamzelle Aurélie due to societal pressure to prioritize motherhood – “disfigured” face from “excitement.”	The story explores the limited options for women in the time period. Mamzelle Aurélie chooses independence, but it comes with loneliness. Odile’s struggle highlights the societal expectation for women to be mothers.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Analyzes the role of the unconscious mind in human behavior.	* Mamzelle Aurélie’s initial resistance to caring for children – “terrassen! Bonté!” (“terrible! Goodness!”). * Her tears at the end despite not regretting her past choices – “Mamzelle Aurélie seated herself beside the table…and began to cry.”	The story suggests a potential unconscious yearning for connection within Mamzelle Aurélie. While she may have consciously chosen independence, her emotional response hints at a deeper desire for family.
Regionalism	Focuses on the specific characteristics of a particular region.	* Vivid descriptions of the Louisiana landscape – “a vast Louisiana bayou shrouded in mist” * Mamzelle Aurélie’s interactions with her Black farmhands – “the negroes who lived in her cabins and worked her crops”	The story grounds itself in the Southern setting, influencing the characters’ lives and interactions. The bayou imagery reflects the isolation Mamzelle Aurélie has chosen. The Black farmhands represent another aspect of Southern life.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Regret” by Kate Chopin

Topics	Questions	Thesis Statements
1. Themes of Solitude	– How does Mamzelle Aurélie’s solitary lifestyle shape her interactions with the children?	In “Regret,” Kate Chopin explores the theme of solitude through Mamzelle Aurélie’s solitary existence and her emotional journey in caring for Odile’s children.
	– What role does loneliness play in Mamzelle Aurélie’s emotional development?	Mamzelle Aurélie’s solitude serves as a backdrop for her emotional turmoil and eventual attachment to Odile’s children, highlighting the profound impact of human connection.
2. Emotional Bonds	– How does Mamzelle Aurélie’s relationship with Odile’s children evolve over time?	Through Mamzelle Aurélie’s initial reluctance and eventual emotional attachment, Chopin illustrates the transformative power of human connection and maternal love.
	– What factors contribute to Mamzelle Aurélie’s bond with the children?	Mamzelle Aurélie’s nurturing instincts, coupled with the children’s innocence and vulnerability, foster a deep emotional bond that transcends her solitary existence.
3. Duty and Responsibility	– What challenges does Mamzelle Aurélie face in assuming responsibility for the children?	Mamzelle Aurélie grapples with unexpected duties and emotional conflicts, ultimately revealing the complexities of duty and the sacrifices it entails.
	– How does Mamzelle Aurélie’s sense of duty evolve throughout the story?	Mamzelle Aurélie’s initial reluctance gives way to a sense of fulfillment and purpose as she embraces her responsibilities, showcasing the transformative nature of duty.
4. Regret and Emotional Release	– How does Mamzelle Aurélie confront feelings of regret throughout the story?	Mamzelle Aurélie’s emotional journey, from initial reluctance to eventual attachment, reflects the complexities of regret and the cathartic release it brings.
	– What role does emotional release play in Mamzelle Aurélie’s character development?	Through tears of both sorrow and joy, Mamzelle Aurélie experiences a profound emotional release, symbolizing her growth and acceptance of life’s unexpected blessings.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Regret” by Kate Chopin

• Who is the main character in “Regret” and how does the story introduce her?
• The main character is Mamzelle Aurélie, a strong and independent woman living a solitary life on her farm in Louisiana. The story paints a vivid picture of her from the start. We learn she possesses “a good strong figure, ruddy cheeks, hair that was changing from brown to gray, and a determined eye.” The details about her clothing – “a man’s hat…and an old blue army overcoat” – further emphasize her self-sufficiency and comfort defying expectations.
• What is the conflict Mamzelle Aurélie faces, and how does it disrupt her routine?
• Mamzelle Aurélie’s peaceful, well-established routine is thrown into chaos with the unexpected arrival of Odile’s four children. The story describes her initial surprise: “One morning Mamzelle Aurélie stood upon her gallery, contemplating, with arms akimbo, a small band of very small children who…might have fallen from the clouds, so unexpected and bewildering was their coming.” Used to managing her farm and her own company, she must now navigate the demands and messiness that come with caring for young children.
• How does the story deal with societal expectations, particularly regarding women’s roles?
• Mamzelle Aurélie’s entire life challenges the societal norm of women being primarily responsible for marriage and child-rearing. The text mentions she “had never thought of marrying” and “at the age of fifty she had not yet lived to regret it.” Her chosen lifestyle, complete with her practical clothing and living arrangements, stands in stark contrast to the frantic arrival of Odile, whose tearful face reflects the societal pressure placed on women to prioritize motherhood.
• What hints suggest Mamzelle Aurélie might have some regret, even if she consciously chose independence?
• While initially resistant and overwhelmed, Mamzelle Aurélie demonstrates a growing connection with the children. She tolerates Ti Nomme’s “moist kisses” and learns their routines, even digging out her sewing basket to mend their clothes. These actions, particularly for someone who valued her solitude, suggest a potential for unspoken longing beneath her independent exterior. Her final, unexpected tears upon the children’s departure hint at a complex emotional response that may go beyond simple relief.
• What is the significance of the setting in “Regret” and how does it connect to the characters and themes?
• The story takes place in rural Louisiana, with details like the vastness of the bayou and the presence of Black farmhands grounding the narrative in a specific time and place. This setting reflects Mamzelle Aurélie’s chosen isolation. The vastness of the bayou mirrors the solitude of her life before the children arrived. The presence of the Black farmhands, who live in cabins and work the crops, represents another aspect of Southern life and the societal structure within which Mamzelle Aurélie has chosen to live independently.

Literary Works Similar to “Regret” by Kate Chopin

1. “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: Another short story by Kate Chopin, “The Story of an Hour,” explores themes of freedom, independence, and the complexities of marriage in the late 19th century.
2. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This short story delves into themes of confinement, mental illness, and the oppression of women in the 19th century. Like “Regret,” it offers a nuanced portrayal of female experiences and societal expectations.
3. “Ethan Frome” by Edith Wharton: Edith Wharton’s novel explores themes of regret, duty, and forbidden love in rural New England. The story follows the tragic consequences of a love triangle involving the protagonist, Ethan Frome, and two women.
4. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor: This short story by Flannery O’Connor delves into themes of moral ambiguity, redemption, and the complexities of family relationships. Like “Regret,” it offers a nuanced portrayal of human nature and the consequences of one’s actions.
5. “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin: Another novel by Kate Chopin, “The Awakening,” explores themes of female independence, societal expectations, and self-discovery. Similar to “Regret,” it offers a nuanced portrayal of a woman’s journey towards personal fulfillment and freedom.

Suggested Readings about/on “Regret” by Kate Chopin

Books:

• Chopin, Kate. “Regret.” A Night in Acadie, New Orleans, J. W. Burke & Co., 1897.
• Toth, Emily. Unveiling Kate Chopin. University Press of Mississippi, 1999.

Articles:

• Bender, Bert. “Kate Chopin’s Lyrical Short Stories.” Studies in Short Fiction 11 (1974): 257–66.
• Dyer, Joyce Coyne. “Epiphanies through Nature in the Stories of Kate Chopin.” University of Dayton Review 16.3 (1983): 75–81.

Websites:

• Kate Chopin International Society. “Regret by Kate Chopin.” http://www.katechopin.org/
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Regret – Kate Chopin (1895).” Documenting the American South. https://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/chopinnight/summary.html

Representative Quotations from “Regret” by Kate Chopin

Quote	Context	Literary Theory	Explanation
“Mamzelle Aurélie possessed a good strong figure, ruddy cheeks, hair that was changing from brown to gray, and a determined eye. She wore a man’s hat about the farm, and an old blue army overcoat…She had never thought of marrying. She had never been in love.”	This opening description introduces Mamzelle Aurélie and establishes her independence.	Feminist Theory	This quote highlights Mamzelle Aurélie’s defiance of societal norms. She chooses practical clothing and a life without marriage or children, defying expectations placed on women.
“One morning Mamzelle Aurélie stood upon her gallery, contemplating, with arms akimbo, a small band of very small children…so unexpected and bewildering was their coming, and so unwelcome.”	Mamzelle Aurélie is confronted with the unexpected arrival of Odile’s children, disrupting her peaceful routine.	Psychoanalytic Theory	This quote suggests a potential unconscious yearning for connection within Mamzelle Aurélie. While she may have consciously chosen independence, her initial resistance to the children hints at a hidden desire for something different.
“She began by feeding them. If Mamzelle Aurélie’s responsibilities might have begun and ended there…But little children are not little pigs; they require and demand attentions which were wholly unexpected by Mamzelle Aurélie…”	Mamzelle Aurélie struggles to adjust to the demands of caring for children.	Regionalism	This quote incorporates details of Southern life, with the comparison of children to pigs referencing a potentially rural mindset.
“‘Tain’t enough to tell ‘im, Mamzelle Aurélie,’ Marcéline instructed her; ‘you got to tie ‘im in a chair. It’s w’at maman all time do w’en he’s bad: she tie ‘im in a chair.'”	Marcéline shares her mother’s methods of discipline, highlighting the societal expectation of women as nurturers.	Feminist Theory	This quote reinforces the societal pressure on women to be responsible for child-rearing. Even young Marcéline expects a woman to be the primary caregiver.
“I tell you, Aunt Ruby,’ Mamzelle Aurélie informed her cook in confidence; ‘me, I’d rather manage a dozen plantation’ than fo’ chil’ren. It’s terrassent! Bonté! Don’t talk to me about chil’ren!'”	Mamzelle Aurélie expresses her frustration with caring for the children.	Choice and Regret Theory	This quote highlights Mamzelle Aurélie’s potential regret. While she may have chosen independence, she seems to question her decision when faced with the challenges of caring for children.
“Ti Nomme’s sticky fingers compelled her to unearth white aprons that she had not worn for years, and she had to accustom herself to his moist kisses–the expressions of an affectionate and exuberant nature.”	Mamzelle Aurélie begins to adapt to the children’s presence.	Character Development	This quote shows Mamzelle Aurélie’s gradual acceptance of the children. While initially resistant, she tolerates their messiness and even finds their affection endearing.
“But at the end of two weeks Mamzelle Aurélie had grown quite used to these things, and she no longer complained.”	Mamzelle Aurélie adjusts to having the children around.	Theme of Change	This quote shows Mamzelle Aurélie’s evolving comfort level with the children. She adapts to the noise and disruption, suggesting a potential for growth.
“She turned into the house. There was much work awaiting her, for the children had left a sad disorder behind them; but she did not at once set about the task of righting it. Mamzelle Aurélie seated herself beside the table. She gave one slow glance through the room, into which the evening shadows were creeping and deepening around her solitary figure. She let her head fall down upon her bended arm, and began to cry. Oh, but she cried! Not softly, as women often do. She cried like a man, with sobs that seemed to tear her very soul.”	Mamzelle Aurélie’s emotional response upon the children’s departure is complex and ambiguous.	Psychoanalytic Theory	This powerful ending leaves room for interpretation. Mamzelle Aurélie’s tears could be relief at their absence, a sign of genuine affection, or a recognition of a life path not taken. The story leaves the reader to ponder the true nature of her regret.