What were the overall messages Chopin wanted readers to understand by the end of the narrative of "A Pair of Silk Stockings"? (for an essay)

Two overall messages suggested in Chopin's "A Pair of Silk Stockings" are

1. Poverty imposes limits upon a mother that deny her expression of autonomy and some self-indulgence.


2. There is in every individual a desire for freedom in opposition to societal norms. 

In the thesis of the essay, the student should include both of these messages. For a five or six paragraph essay (2 paragraphs of the body may be needed for one point), there can be a thesis with 3 main points [See boldfaced words] which can, then, become the topic sentences of the body paragraphs.

Here, then, are some reflections upon the three main points which may assist in the composition of the support for the thesis:

As a mother, Mrs. Sommers has lost her individuality; for, she must consider the needs of her children first. After she has the windfall of fifteen dollars, she responsibly places it into her porte-monnaie and lays out plans in her mind for necessities; she is "absorbed in speculation and calculation." But, since she feels a sense of importance, also, there is the hint that she experiences an awakening of independence. And, the fact that on the day that she goes to town she feels "a little faint and tired" hints at her weakening will to a temptation to indulge herself so that she can again feel independent.
So, after she purchases the gloves and the stockings and gloves, Mrs. Sommers seems transformed from a mother to an individual lady who is able to fulfill her own desires. 

• Self-Indulgence

At the counter where there are gloves, "she grew aware that her hand had encountered something very soothing, very pleasant to touch." Because she feels light-headed and is overwrought with responsibilities to others, there is the temptation for Mrs. Sommers to indulge herself and recall those yesterdays when she was able to enjoy luxurious things. So, once she buys the gloves, she is, then, tempted by the silk stockings which remind her of "better days" that she once enjoyed.

• A Desire for Freedom from Societal Norms

The restrictions that a lack of financial independence place upon Mrs. Sommers cause her to desire freedom from her role as the dutiful mother and wife; indeed, she longs to escape her life of "enforced frugality." When the play that she has attended ends and she rides home on the cable car, Mrs. Sommers experiences "a powerful longing that the cable car would never stop anywhere...." and her dreamy day continue rather than return her to all her social and private responsibilities.