He was the President of the United States during this time.
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
100
genuine; true
What is "veritable?"
100
Those for whom Mrs. Sommers plans to spend the money.
Who are "her kids?" (or "children")
100
Mrs. Sommers's neighbors spoke of this, leading us to know that she didn't always have a life of hardship.
What are "better days?"
100
The first item Mrs. Sommers purchased.
What are "silk stockings?"
200
This war took place during Realism.
What is the Civil War?
200
showy, but lacking in good taste
What is "gaudy?"
200
Mrs. Sommers has a wonderful time at this establishment, and even has candy shared with her.
What is "the theater?"
200
Mrs. Sommers might be spending the money based more on this type of reaction.
What is "a gut reaction?" (or "impulse")
200
The second item Mrs. Sommers purchases.
What are "boots?"
300
People felt they could do this more easily with stories featuring realistic characters and situations.
What is "relate to them?"
300
ridiculous
What is "preposterous?"
300
The silk stockings are first noticed because of this action.
What is "When her fingers touch them?"
300
At first, Mrs. Sommers comes across as this kind of mother.
What is "loving" or "responsible" or "selfless" or "caring?"
300
The third item Mrs. Sommers purchases.
What are "gloves?"
400
This company's catalogue, published twice a year, was 800 pages and featured over 20,000 items.
What is the Sears catalogue?
400
taking pleasure
What is "reveling?"
400
His reaction is one of confusion when he sees Mrs. Sommers's shoes and stockings.
Who is "the shoe clerk?"
400
Her new purchases make Mrs. Sommers feel as if she is a member of this class of people.
What is "the upper class?"
400
The fourth item Mrs. Sommers purchases.
What are "magazines?"
500
Advancement of techniques in these TWO areas helped in allowing people to have access to information and be more aware of what was really happening in society and during war times.
What are the areas of photography and printing?
500
difficult to please; critical
What is "fastidious?"
500
These are two of the five items consumed during Mrs. Sommers's lunch.
What are a half dozen oysters; pork chop; dessert (creme-frappee); glass of wine; cup of coffee?
500
We can infer that Mrs. Sommers never has a moment to relax, clear her mind, or do anything for herself at this moment in the story.
What is "when she is sitting in the ladies' lounge?"