The Similarities Between “the Story of an Hour”
In Literature, two short stories that may not seem similar on the surface can be if a deeper look is taken. A comparison can unlock hidden similarities that cannot be seen the first time one reads them. Such similarities have been found in the two short stories “The Story of an Hour” and “The Cask of Amontillado”. Both of these stories contain a parallel use of light and darkness, deceit and trickery, form of irony, presence of evil, and life’s journey.
In “The Story of an Hour” light and darkness are portrayed in the description of the surroundings. “There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met piled one above the other in the west facing her window” (Chopin 104). The patches of blue sky that seemed to want to escape from the clouds could signify the freedom that Mrs. Mallard was longing for so much but could not have. The clouds which almost swallowed up the blue sky could have represented her feeling of being trapped without escape.
“The Cask of Amontillado” utilizes light and darkness in the description of the surroundings. The cellar that Montresor, the one who held the torch, and Fortunato were in was very dark and the darkness itself swallowed them up. This use of darkness foreshadows the ending quite well. Montresor is the one who will escape the cellar and Fortunato, who did not have a torch, does not escape. The representation of light in this story, which is hidden extremely well, is the wine. It put Fortunato in a good mood and kept him going even when he did not feel well. The Amontillado wine was hope, destination, and purpose for Fortunado.
The deceit and trickery in “The Story of an Hour” was very apparent at first glance however after reading the story again you are able to see another type of deceit or trickery. The more obvious deceit was Mrs. Mallard’s joy to be released of the chains of marriage. Although she did not want anyone to know how much happiness she was experiencing. Mr. Mallard’s knowledge
In “The Story of an Hour” light and darkness are portrayed in the description of the surroundings. “There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met piled one above the other in the west facing her window” (Chopin 104). The patches of blue sky that seemed to want to escape from the clouds could signify the freedom that Mrs. Mallard was longing for so much but could not have. The clouds which almost swallowed up the blue sky could have represented her feeling of being trapped without escape.
“The Cask of Amontillado” utilizes light and darkness in the description of the surroundings. The cellar that Montresor, the one who held the torch, and Fortunato were in was very dark and the darkness itself swallowed them up. This use of darkness foreshadows the ending quite well. Montresor is the one who will escape the cellar and Fortunato, who did not have a torch, does not escape. The representation of light in this story, which is hidden extremely well, is the wine. It put Fortunato in a good mood and kept him going even when he did not feel well. The Amontillado wine was hope, destination, and purpose for Fortunado.
The deceit and trickery in “The Story of an Hour” was very apparent at first glance however after reading the story again you are able to see another type of deceit or trickery. The more obvious deceit was Mrs. Mallard’s joy to be released of the chains of marriage. Although she did not want anyone to know how much happiness she was experiencing. Mr. Mallard’s knowledge