Life and Freedom in Chopins, The Story of an Hour Essay

Life and Freedom in Chopins The Story of an Hour In The story of an hour, Kate Chopin tells the story of a woman, Mrs. Mallard, whose husband is thought to be dead. Throughout the story Chopin describes the emotions Mrs. Mallard felt about the news of her husbands death. However, the emotions she felt were not overcome by despair or by sadness, they were something else. In a way she was relieved more than she was upset, and almost rejoiced in the thought of her husband no longer living. In using different literary elements throughout the story, Chopin conveys this to us on more than one occasion. Many people would think that happiness and freedom is not a normal response, but I can understand how a woman can†¦show more content†¦This is supported by the line she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers(247). This demonstrating to the reader that she felt controlled by her husband, and that she would no longer be tied down to the ways of the time, in which men control women. Another example of how Mrs. Mallard was more uplifted than brought down by the news of her husbands death is the description of the window. As Mrs. Mallard looks out Chopin explains she could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all a quiver with new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares. The notes of a distant song which someone was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves.(246) Imagery is portrayed in these sentences. By using imagery, the author can help the reader see and feel the environment the character is in. Using the objects of nature, it shows this spring day as a representation of her new life of freedom without her husband. . The clouds, a metaphor for the shadows that hovered over her marriage, begin to part and make way for a fresh beginning. Mrs. Mallard sensed s sensed a monstrous joy, although she didnt know what it was at the time she knew something was coming. Throughout the story, Mrs. Mallard continuously repeatsShow MoreRelatedThe Unique Style Of Kate Chopin s Writing1603 Words   |  7 PagesThe unique style of Kate Chopin’s writing has influenced and paved the way for many female authors. Although not verbally, Kate Chopin aired political and social issues affecting women and challenging the validity of such restrictions through fiction. Kate Chopin, a feminist in her time, prevailed against the notion that a woman’s purpose was to only be a housewife and nothing more. 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