This story is replete with symbolism and hidden meaning, lurking in the details of Chopin's descriptions.

Aurélie, a fifty year old unmarried woman, living alone other than her servants, finds herself suddenly in possession of her neighbor's four children when the neighbor is called away to tend her dying mother. The title of this story says everything about the realization Aurélie comes to by the end of the tale.

I have read many of Chopin's stories and short fictions. I love her writing style and wit. When the children are left with Aurélie, this is one of the lines I loved.

But little children are not little pigs: they require and demand attentions which were wholly unexpected by Mamzelle Aurlie, and which she was ill prepared to give.

If you have never had children and find yourself in possession of someone else's, this line might well hold a great deal of meaning for you.

The story can be read HERE ( )