Luis Hoyos

02/09/16

ENG1121-D465

“Ripe Figs” Summary

In the short story “Ripe figs” by Kate Chopin she brings up the main theme of the perspective of time and how it is different for everyone. This can be seen when Maman-Nainaine says “how early the figs have ripened this year!” and Babette says the contrary “I think they have ripened very late.” Chopin also brings the idea of age and the difference in maturities between the two from the previous two quotes that the older Maman is much more patient then the younger Babette. At the same time the description of the figs brings forth the idea of not rushing things that are worth waiting for “a dozen purple figs fringed around with their rich green leaves” ”she peeled the very plumpest of figs…” the description of the figs would be different if they had not waited for the perfect time to pick them. The final idea brought up by Chopin is that humans depend on the timing of nature “I shall look for her in Toussaint when the chrysanthemums are in bloom”. In conclusion the short story “Ripe Figs” tries to teach its readers many different important ideas that all have to do with time.