Download CommonLit | Ripe Figs

Name:
Class:
Ripe Figs
By Kate Chopin
1893
Kate Chopin (1850-1904) was an American short story and novel writer who is now considered one of the
forerunners of feminist literature. “Ripe Figs” was published in Vogue in 1893. As you read, consider the
mood of this short story, and determine what the ripe figs symbolize.
[1]
1
Maman-Nainaine said that when the figs were
ripe Babette might go to visit her cousins down
on the Bayou-Lafourche where the sugar cane
grows. Not that the ripening of figs had the least
thing to do with it, but that is the way MamanNainaine was.
It seemed to Babette a very long time to wait; for
the leaves upon the trees were tender yet, and
the figs were like little hard, green marbles.
But warm rains came along and plenty of strong
sunshine, and though Maman-Naiaine was as
patient as the statue of la Madone, and Babette
"Ripe Fig on Fruit Tree in Southern France" is licensed under CC BY
2.0.
as restless as a humming-bird, the first thing they
both knew it was hot summer-time. Every day
Babette danced out to where the fig-trees were in a long line against the fence. She walked slowly
beneath them, carefully peering between the gnarled, spreading branches. But each time she came
disconsolate away again. What she saw there finally was something that made her sing and dance the
whole long day.
When Maman-Nainaine sat down in her stately way to breakfast, the following morning, her muslin cap
standing like an aureole about her white, placid face, Babette approached. She bore a dainty porcelain
platter, which she set down before her godmother. It contained a dozen purple figs, fringed around
with their rich, green leaves.
[5]
"Ah," said Maman-Nainaine, arching her eyebrows, "how early the figs have ripened this year!"
"Oh," said Babette, "I think they have ripened very late."
"Babette," continued Maman-Nainaine, as she peeled the very plumpest figs with her pointed silver
2
fruit-knife, "you will carry my love to them all down on Bayou-Lafourche. And tell your Tante Frosine I
shall look for her at Toussaint - when the chrysanthemums are in bloom."
1.
2.
Though not a direct translation, Maman-Nainaine is an equivalent term for "grandmother." The character in this
story is noted as Babette's godmother, so the name Maman-Nainaine is based more on her age than on her
biological relationship with Babette.
"Tante" means "aunt."
1
Ripe Figs by Kate Chopin is in the public domain.
2
Text-Dependent Questions
Directions: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.
1.
PART A: Which of the following best describes a central theme of the text?
A.
B.
C.
D.
2.
B.
C.
D.
3.
B.
C.
D.
[RL.5]
The mood of paragraph 3 is calm and serene, like Maman-Nainaine’s calm
acceptance of when the figs will grow.
The mood of paragraph 3 is boring and dull, like the hot, droning weather
described in said paragraph.
The mood of paragraph 3 is anxious and suspenseful, reflecting Babette’s
impatience as she repeatedly checks the garden for signs of the figs.
The mood of paragraph 3 is forlorn, for Babette believes she will never see the
figs grow and thus never visit her family.
PART B: Which of the following phrases from paragraph 3 best supports the answer
to Part A?
A.
B.
C.
D.
[RL.1]
“Not that the ripening of figs had the least thing to do with it, but that is the way
Maman-Nainaine was.” (paragraph 1)
“But warm rains came along and plenty of strong sunshine, and though MamanNaiaine was as patient as the statue of la Madone, and Babette as restless as a
humming-bird, the first thing they both knew it was hot summer-time.”
(paragraph 3)
“She bore a dainty porcelain platter, which she set down before her godmother.”
(paragraph 4)
‘"Babette," continued Maman-Nainaine, as she peeled the very plumpest figs
with her pointed silver fruit-knife, "you will carry my love to them all down on
Bayou-Lafourche.”’ (paragraph 7)
PART A: Which of the following best describes the mood of paragraph 3 and its
significance?
A.
4.
Growing up takes time and patience; it cannot be rushed.
Family does not always know what’s best.
Respect for elders is the most important thing to have.
Tradition (i.e. Southern tradition) grounds people and promotes stability.
PART B: Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?
A.
[RL.2]
[RL.1]
"But warm rains came along and plenty of strong sunshine"
"Maman-Naiaine was as patient as the statue of la Madone"
"Every day Babette danced out to where the fig-trees were"
"each time she came disconsolate away again"
3
5.
How do Babette’s and Maman-Nainaine’s feelings about the figs contribute to
the overall meaning of the story?
[RL.6] [RL.3]
4
Discussion Questions
Directions: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared to
share your original ideas in a class discussion.
1.
What is the relationship between aging, or the passage of time, and growing up? Are they
the same thing? How are they different? Explain in detail.
2.
What meaning do the chrysanthemums contribute to the story? Consider the significance of
the figs and to whom Babette is conveying the message about the flowers.
3.
How might Kate Chopin answer this question: At what point are you “grown up”? Drawing
upon your own experiences and outside readings, how would you answer this question?
Explain your answer in detail.
5