Life or Irony
LIFE OR IRONY?
Symbolism is utilized throughout literature, poetry, and life to take readers on a journey. Symbolism allows the reader to take the story beyond the written word. The reader is given the opportunity to process, ponder, and ultimately interpret meanings not always openly portrayed by the writer. Symbols or symbolism within a work can be both easy and difficult to determine. Stories usually can have one or several symbols. “The Story of an Hour” written by Kate Chopin, is a short story which has several symbols. Kate Chopin wants the reader to feel connected to the symbols she used in this story. Three of the most powerful symbols in “The Story of an Hour” are the open window, heart condition and train crash.
One of the symbols Chopin uses in the story is the open window. Following the news of the death of her husband, Ms. Mallard retreats to her room in despair. However, as she looks out the window to see blue skies, hear the sweat sound of birds singing, and flowers opening their petals to welcome spring, she begins to feel overwhelmed with a sense of warmth, lightheartedness, and hope for a future of endless possibilities and freedom she has so often sought throughout a demanding marriage. After a few minutes she said “free, free, free!” (541). The open window meant a new beginning to a life she hadn’t known before. She realized that she no longer answered to anyone. For Louise Mallard the window represents life, longevity, contentment and hope, while turning away from the window leads back to question and sorrow. Chopin’s use of symbolism depicting marriage allows the reader to view marriage as both loving, nurturing, and supportive, yet controlling and oppressive.
Kate Chopin’s use of symbolism is demonstrated in Ms. Mallard’s heart condition. Josephine, Louise’s sister, was fearful of telling her sister of her husband’s death due to worry that her sister’s heart may fail. Louise falls into the arms of Josephine
Symbolism is utilized throughout literature, poetry, and life to take readers on a journey. Symbolism allows the reader to take the story beyond the written word. The reader is given the opportunity to process, ponder, and ultimately interpret meanings not always openly portrayed by the writer. Symbols or symbolism within a work can be both easy and difficult to determine. Stories usually can have one or several symbols. “The Story of an Hour” written by Kate Chopin, is a short story which has several symbols. Kate Chopin wants the reader to feel connected to the symbols she used in this story. Three of the most powerful symbols in “The Story of an Hour” are the open window, heart condition and train crash.
One of the symbols Chopin uses in the story is the open window. Following the news of the death of her husband, Ms. Mallard retreats to her room in despair. However, as she looks out the window to see blue skies, hear the sweat sound of birds singing, and flowers opening their petals to welcome spring, she begins to feel overwhelmed with a sense of warmth, lightheartedness, and hope for a future of endless possibilities and freedom she has so often sought throughout a demanding marriage. After a few minutes she said “free, free, free!” (541). The open window meant a new beginning to a life she hadn’t known before. She realized that she no longer answered to anyone. For Louise Mallard the window represents life, longevity, contentment and hope, while turning away from the window leads back to question and sorrow. Chopin’s use of symbolism depicting marriage allows the reader to view marriage as both loving, nurturing, and supportive, yet controlling and oppressive.
Kate Chopin’s use of symbolism is demonstrated in Ms. Mallard’s heart condition. Josephine, Louise’s sister, was fearful of telling her sister of her husband’s death due to worry that her sister’s heart may fail. Louise falls into the arms of Josephine