Kate Choplin The Story Of An Hour Summary
April, 6, 2016
Kate Choplin in her story, “the story of an hour,” tries to give a brief introduction of the era when men were considered the supreme power in the household and the wives were there to love, trust and embrace their husband. Mrs. Louise Mallard, the protagonist, “She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance…."(Choplin 3), feels the euphoria of freedom, when she comes to know about her husband’s death rather than sliding down in the vale of grief. Later, in the end, the moment she comes to know about the presence of Brently Mallard’s, crushes her dreams; eventually leading to her death. The ruthless truth of 19th century marriage through a girl’s point of view,” Dictatorial essence of Marriage can be fatal sometimes,” is magnificently described by Choplin in her narrative. …show more content…
To begin with, Heart Trouble is the first description given about Mrs.
Mallard in the story, which allows us to envisage the irony in the story. It starts on the substantial belief of “weak heart”, therefore,” Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.”(Choplin 1) But, till the readers reach the end the death of Louise brings out the irony in the story.” The Joy that kills” (Choplin 20) relates to her death because of sudden loss of independence she found a while ago. Mark Cunningham also debates on the similar theme that Louise’s death is caused by the shock of the new found
freedom.
Pursuing this further, Choplin states,” When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone.” Louise wants to move forward in her life. She sees the death of Brently as a new beginning, new life. She wants to embrace her new identity. Repetition of the words “free, free, free…..”(Choplin 11) helps her feel revived. Her response physically,” Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body.” And mentally,” pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul.” Showed clearly the happiness to live her life on her terms, without anybody’s intervention. She could feel the breath of rain, blue sky and notes of distant songs; all as the signal of elation. Louise is delighted to embrace her new life, away from the despotism of her husband and society. She wants to appreciate her individuality. The exhilaration is blown away with the entry of Brently in the scene. She dies from shock and disappointment on seeing him return (Cunningham).
Additionally, the third person narration by Choplin gives a vivid feel to the readers about the imagery described in the story. The user moves along the narrative with a fresh start now and then. The reporter describes,” She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength. “Giving a brief description of Louise physical self and her sufferings in life through her expressions. Louise is distressed still manages to hide her inner feeling of pain and repression from the society.
Kate Choplin in her story, “the story of an hour,” tries to give a brief introduction of the era when men were considered the supreme power in the household and the wives were there to love, trust and embrace their husband. Mrs. Louise Mallard, the protagonist, “She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance…."(Choplin 3), feels the euphoria of freedom, when she comes to know about her husband’s death rather than sliding down in the vale of grief. Later, in the end, the moment she comes to know about the presence of Brently Mallard’s, crushes her dreams; eventually leading to her death. The ruthless truth of 19th century marriage through a girl’s point of view,” Dictatorial essence of Marriage can be fatal sometimes,” is magnificently described by Choplin in her narrative. …show more content…
To begin with, Heart Trouble is the first description given about Mrs.
Mallard in the story, which allows us to envisage the irony in the story. It starts on the substantial belief of “weak heart”, therefore,” Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.”(Choplin 1) But, till the readers reach the end the death of Louise brings out the irony in the story.” The Joy that kills” (Choplin 20) relates to her death because of sudden loss of independence she found a while ago. Mark Cunningham also debates on the similar theme that Louise’s death is caused by the shock of the new found
freedom.
Pursuing this further, Choplin states,” When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone.” Louise wants to move forward in her life. She sees the death of Brently as a new beginning, new life. She wants to embrace her new identity. Repetition of the words “free, free, free…..”(Choplin 11) helps her feel revived. Her response physically,” Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body.” And mentally,” pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul.” Showed clearly the happiness to live her life on her terms, without anybody’s intervention. She could feel the breath of rain, blue sky and notes of distant songs; all as the signal of elation. Louise is delighted to embrace her new life, away from the despotism of her husband and society. She wants to appreciate her individuality. The exhilaration is blown away with the entry of Brently in the scene. She dies from shock and disappointment on seeing him return (Cunningham).
Additionally, the third person narration by Choplin gives a vivid feel to the readers about the imagery described in the story. The user moves along the narrative with a fresh start now and then. The reporter describes,” She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength. “Giving a brief description of Louise physical self and her sufferings in life through her expressions. Louise is distressed still manages to hide her inner feeling of pain and repression from the society.