Story Of An Hour Literary Analysis

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Kate Chopin author of, “The Story of an Hour,” efficiently illustrates the span of Louise Mallard’s emotions in the wake of the news of her husband’s death. Louise’s mental state goes from initial pangs of grief, to bewildering sense of joy, and finally exhilarated awareness of sudden freedom. Through Louise Mallard’s transformation from repressed wife to liberated widow, Chopin critiques the oppression inherent in marriage for wives at the turn of the century. “The Story of an Hour” was written in 1894 where marriage was expected and gender roles were pronounced. Women were projected to take care of the home and children, while men worked. During this time it was extremely difficult for women to expand their horizon. Chopin demonstrates this perfectly by showing Louise Mallard, a house wife, over joyed to hear of her husband’s supposed death. After hearing of her husband’s death Mrs. Mallard…show more content…
Fearfully, she knew something was coming to her but she did not know what it was. Louise finally abandoned herself and she whispered, “free, free, free!” (11). Mrs. Mallard began to recognize that she was becoming over joyed and could no longer hold back the excitement. “She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her. A clear and exalted perception enabled her to dismiss the suggestion as trivial” (13). Louise new that this feeling had nothing to do with her husband, only the feeling of freedom. “There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself” (15). Louise no longer has to cater, please, or make sure she is the perfect house wife to anybody. Society would no longer win Mrs. Mallard was in control for the first time. When it all boils down the husband’s death is a prize, because now she has the opportunities to do anything she wants. The sky is the limit for Mrs.

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