Irony And Symbolism In The Story Of An Hour By Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in the year 1850. As she grew older, she got married; and moved to New Orleans. (Clark, 2016). Over the years, Chopin and her husband raised six children. (Clark, 2016). Years later, after her husband passed away in 1882, she decided to move back to her hometown. (Clark, 2016). There, a family friend encouraged her to begin writing. Kate took the idea and ran with it. She chose to write fictional novels; and by doing so, she became very successful. Chopin frequently used feminism in her writing; she was known as a feminist author. (Clark, 2016). She has written many short stories that are well known in the world of literature today. Throughout “The Story of an Hour,” Kate Chopin uses both irony and
Mallard. She fails to mention her first name until after the death of her husband is announced; symbolizing her lack of individuality. Once the reader finds out Mrs. Mallard’s husband has been killed, the author then allows her sister to call her by her first name. “Louise, open the door! I beg; open the door – you will make yourself ill. What are you doing, Louise? For heaven’s sake open the door.” (Chopin, 1894, 16). Using symbolism in this way proves to the reader that Louise was officially an individual; no longer just Mr. Mallard’s wife. Mrs. Mallard becomes overwhelmed with the thought of finally being free. “When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: “free, free, free!” The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warm and relaxed every inch of her body.” (Chopin, 1894, 15). The way Chopin uses symbolism here was quite brilliant; she was able to incorporate the use of feminism; that she often liked to include in her