Chopin Freeman

•How would you describe the tone of each story?
The tone of “The Story of an Hour” is sad and distraught in the beginning, but changes to delight and happiness as Louise “escapes” her marriage and becomes a free woman. The tone of “The Revolt of Mother” is more serious and assertive.
•What rhetorical strategies assist the writers in achieving that tone? Explain.
“The Story of an Hour” often uses imagery to achieve its tone. For example, “There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory.” This use of imagery appeals to the senses, causing it to be so effective in achieving the tone of happiness. “The Revolt of Mother” uses strong diction and similes. For example, the words “disaster, afflicted, and broken” are used to
•Do you see any elements of satire in either of the stories? Explain.
Yes, there is satire in both of the stories. In “The Story of An Hour,” Chopin uses the irony in the phrase “joy that kills” to satirize the happiness Louis had when she lost her husband. In “The Revolt of Mother,” Freeman satirizes that men are the only ones capable of making decisions and doing important jobs. Instead, Sarah does not listen and does what she believes is best for the family.

The tone of “A Mother’s Revolt” is determined and a bit forceful. The tone of “The Story of an Hour” is melancholic in the beginning and then shifts to elation because of her newfound freedom, from the chains of her marriage.
2. Within “The Story of an Hour”, symbolism, allegory, imagery, and irony are used. Within “The Revolt of Mother”, diction including “afflicted, broken, disaster, and tender”, as well as similes.