‘Story of an Hour’ is a piece written by Kate Chopin in 1894. Focusing on the story of Louise Mallard, it highlights the time spent by the protagonist during the time she was trying to take in the news of her husband’s sudden death. It is through this time that Chopin offers readers Louise realization of what happened and the emotions she uncovered during her reflection. It is through such piece that Chopin is able to advance important themes related to marriage and also highlight the nature of independence as it is reflected through the author’s use of symbolisms and visual narrative.
Underlying in the story of Chopin is the feeling of oppressiveness of marriage mentioned by Louise in the story. Looking closely, the problem corresponds to the ability of this particular union between man and women to undermine the freedom of people. From the vantage point of Louise, even if her husband is treating her well and demonstrates kindness, she remains to feel subjugated especially in her ability to explore further new opportunities to understand herself (Smith 1). For Chopin, the objective here is to present the situation not out of malice but rather as a way to emphasize that within marriage, there is an innate oppressiveness evident for all couples. This is the realization of Louise Mallard upon learning the death of husband Brently.
Similarly, there is also the theme related to independence felt by Louise upon the realization of her husband’s death. Here, Chopin provides opportunities for readers to understand what the protagonist is experiencing by offering how she thinks during her brief solitude in the room. Having an alone time, Louise peered through the window and thoughts about what she can do as a widower slowly emerged. She felt the freedom of having the ability to act beyond the standards and expectations of a married woman (Sustana 1). Despite feeling remorseful about the death of her husband, she was also happy because of the increasing awareness of the possibilities she can gain with her new freedom. Again, this was met with a tragic fate as Louise died learning that her husband was not dead after all.
The use of symbolisms is also essential in helping appreciate Chopin’s piece. For this story, the heart trouble by Louise is both literal and symbolic in nature. As far as symbolism is concerned, the trouble depicts with the protagonist feeling ambivalent about the realities happening in her life. Upon learning the supposed death of Brently, Louise did not feel the physical burden of her heart but rather demonstrated more of an excitement about the opportunities and freedom she can experience in her life. That is why the depiction in the story of her ‘heart racing’ is a good way to show Louise joy. Ironically, this also meant her death because the doctor ruled that she passed due to experiencing overwhelming joy (Chopin 1).
Similarly, the open window where Louise spent some time alone is another symbolism utilized by Chopin in the story. Arguably, this object is an important aspect because of its ability to mirror what the protagonist is aspiring for. The view from the outside and the numerous activities can be done shows the freedom she always clamors for (Smith 1). That is why Louise felt a sense of joy and started to think about the future moving forward with her husband dead and her living a life without him.
Overall, Kate Chopin’s ‘Story of an Hour’ provides a critical perspective surrounding marriage and the manner it makes couples surrender their freedom in the process. By using both symbolisms and use of language, readers are able to understand Louise’s character and the corresponding reasons as to why she felt that way. By offering readers contrasting images, Chopin is able to convey the emotions of the protagonist and the things that are going on inside her mind. Despite the realization that his husband didn’t die at all, it offered her the chance to look inside herself and find what she really wants. It is through such joy and fulfillment that she ironically succumbed to the heart condition with the thought of finally having her freedom.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. Story of an Hour, 1894. Web. Accessed 25 August 2014.
Smith, Nicole. ‘Literary Analysis of “Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: Language, Emotion and Marriage’ Article Myriad.6 Dec. 2011. Web. Accessed 25 August 2014.
Sustana, Catherine. ‘Analysis of ‘The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin’ About.com. n.d. Web. Accessed 25 August 2014.