Kate Chopin's The Story Of An Hour

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In the 1894 short story “The Story of an Hour”, author Kate Chopin reveals reactions to old love, new life, and mistaken death. Chopin explains Mrs. Mallard’s reaction to her husbands death that turns out to be untrue, resulting in her own death. I felt shocked by this story, then later understanding after analysis. I was shocked by the major plot twist and ruthless reaction of joy Mrs. Mallard had towards her husbands death, however then came to the conclusion her reaction wasn't so disheartening. Applying a personal view and difference in opinions on the text, changed my perspective of Mrs. Mallard and her reasoning for shocking feelings towards an unexpected tragedy. The text begins with Mrs. Mallard in her home accompanied by her sister…show more content…
Mallards reaction. I realized she grieved her husbands death, then had her freeing epiphany. Choplin shows how Mrs. Mallard was trying to restrain this overwhelming feeling by explaining that Mrs. Mallard “was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to posses her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will as powerless as her two white slender hands would have been” (83). This shows she didn't want to feel happy, which makes me have empathy for Mrs. Mallard. I read this story in high school, however I never examined Mrs. Mallard’s reaction to have the response I do now. The difference between reading the story now compared to sophomore year was my age, maturity, and teaching style that all changed my response to the same story. I’m more understanding, because I have grown in age and maturity that I assume is about the same as Mrs. Mallard’s which I can apply to this time in my life, making it personal. My first class analysis of “Story of an Hour” was taught by a male teacher that never touched on the understanding of Mrs. Mallard’s reaction, however after evaluating with a female teacher, I realized her struggle with fighting her happiness instead of being unsympathetic. While reading the story a second time, I couldn't help but compare it to my own life. I thought about what my reaction would be if this storyline was applied to my life one day in the future. Even with understanding Mrs. Mallard’s reaction I hope I wouldn't feel the same when I get married. Although marriage is years away, it is scary to think that death of a spouse could actually happen. This text also leads me to think about how many widowers or family members fake sadness or have a freeing epiphany over the death of a loved
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