Kate Chopin's 'Story Of An Hour'
Story of an Hour Questions
In the short story, Story of an Hour, Chopin illustrates that societal expectations will subdue and repress one’s identity. Firstly, in the very first paragraph it is noted that Mrs. Mallard is afflicted with heart trouble; naturally, one would presume that she is of quite some age, however, in the eighth paragraph it reads, “She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength.” (Chopin, 8th paragraph) This comes as a surprise to the reader as it was originally inferred that she was much older but now that the reader becomes aware of her age, they are able to deduce how much psychological and emotional strain must have been pressed upon her to have lines that “bespoke repression” at such a young age. As well, Mrs. Mallard may have been inclined to enjoy those first few moments of newfound freedom in solitude, as she would not like anyone to see her in peace after her husband’s death. This sentence accurately illustrates how societal norms have repressed her identity, causing her to even hide from her sister to avoid questioning. …show more content…
Mallard began to come to terms with the implication of her husband’s sudden death. The passage reads, “She said it over and over under her breath: “free, free, free!”… She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her.” Mrs. Mallard is quite aware of how wrong it must look to be feeling liberated by her husband’s death, however she would not let herself feel guilty. She had lived long enough under her husband’s will and now she gladly welcomed the freedom that came with his passing. Thus, this passage is effective in illustrating that the societal expectations for her marriage had ultimately subdued and repressed Mrs. Mallard’s
In the short story, Story of an Hour, Chopin illustrates that societal expectations will subdue and repress one’s identity. Firstly, in the very first paragraph it is noted that Mrs. Mallard is afflicted with heart trouble; naturally, one would presume that she is of quite some age, however, in the eighth paragraph it reads, “She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength.” (Chopin, 8th paragraph) This comes as a surprise to the reader as it was originally inferred that she was much older but now that the reader becomes aware of her age, they are able to deduce how much psychological and emotional strain must have been pressed upon her to have lines that “bespoke repression” at such a young age. As well, Mrs. Mallard may have been inclined to enjoy those first few moments of newfound freedom in solitude, as she would not like anyone to see her in peace after her husband’s death. This sentence accurately illustrates how societal norms have repressed her identity, causing her to even hide from her sister to avoid questioning. …show more content…
Mallard began to come to terms with the implication of her husband’s sudden death. The passage reads, “She said it over and over under her breath: “free, free, free!”… She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her.” Mrs. Mallard is quite aware of how wrong it must look to be feeling liberated by her husband’s death, however she would not let herself feel guilty. She had lived long enough under her husband’s will and now she gladly welcomed the freedom that came with his passing. Thus, this passage is effective in illustrating that the societal expectations for her marriage had ultimately subdued and repressed Mrs. Mallard’s