reader response essay on the story of an hour

Home | Literature | Book Summary | The Story of an Hour

Reader Response to “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin Rhetorical Analysis

Updated December 21, 2022
Pages 5 (1 129 words)
Views 1,460
Literary Genre
Book Summary
Reading Books
Short Story
The Story of an Hour
Any subject
Within the deadline
Without paying in advance

My belief on marriage is that it’s a covenant between two people who absolutely love each other and couldn’t imagine life without sharing their sacred union. Although this belief is pretty common, unfortunately it’s not always the case and people for a variety of other reasons get married and often feel imprisoned. In the short story by Kate Chopin , “ The Story of an Hour ”, she suggests that in the case of Louise Mallard and her husband, true love was not the deciding factor for their marriage. When Louise was given the news that her husband died in a train wreck, rather than feeling heartbroken over his death, she was relieved because it brought her a new found sense of freedom. At first she reacts with brief sadness and guilt, but then realizes how her life was now her own.

Chopin creates a character from the beginning of the short story that the reader becomes sympathetic of, conveying sad emotions and a seemingly sad situation. The author tells the reader that Mrs. Mallard is “ill” and writes, “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” (Chopin 438). Mrs. Mallard’s heart trouble was in my opinion, not only physical, but more likely emotional. Throughout the plot of the story, the reader can gain a sense of sympathy for Mrs. Mallard as they read of her personal conflict of being in a loveless marriage.

Often Chopin’s rhetorical techniques in her stories and especially in this particular one are the strong use of figurative language that appeals to pathos as found in the following passage, “There stood, facing the open window, a comfortable, roomy armchair. Into this she sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul.” Chopin’s use of pathos was effective as readers wanted to know the hidden meaning behind such statements. Kate Chopin has also given little detail about the Mallards lives and therefore left much to the imagination of the reader.

Chopin also employed irony as a way of expression in this short story. Mrs. Mallard’s relatives believed that when she locked herself in the room upon receiving the news of her husband’s death that she was indeed depressed as any widow would be. Ironically, her tears in solitude were celebratory as she discovered she was now free to live her life unconfined. as she stated, “Free! Body and soul free!” (Chopin’s literary style throughout this story manages to pack such large punch into such a minimalist storytelling schema. Such writings are also found in similar work from authors of her time like Katherine Anne Porter and her renowned short story “He”. Porter writing style of similar figurative speech, use of ethos and pathos and the deep hidden conflict her main character had related to Chopin’s work.

Kate Chopin lived in a patriarchal time when women were expected to obey their husbands and take care of the children in the late eighteen hundreds. There weren’t options like divorce that is now available. It makes me think that Kate may have felt the same way she portrayed the main character Louise to feel when her own husband died in 1883.

This story reflects cultural attitudes of marriage at that time in a way that is very heart wrenching. It shines light on the fact that some women felt trapped, lifeless and in bondage to their husbands and in their marriages. This story kicked off a feminist movement and foreshadowed many present day women’s rights and freedoms. Chopin was known to be a pioneer feminist and had the courage to write about women’s equality, even if it was just a fantasy at the time. Kate Chopin has given little detail about the Mallards and therefore left much to the imagination of the reader. The story was written in 1894, which was a time when women were not allowed to vote and their specific role was within the home.

I find it necessary to incorporate Chopin’s life experience into the meaning I gather from “The Story of an Hour” as it most definitely influenced her writing. Her father died in a rail road accident when she was just five years old and she became a widow one year before this short story was published. I believe this story perhaps gave a glimpse into her thoughts on her own marriage and life as a woman of her time.

“The Story of an Hour” has an unexpected twist with an interesting ending. Louise suddenly died realizing she would have to return back to her subservient role upon seeing her husband’s return. The fact that he wasn’t on the train and didn’t die and the turn of events was rather depressing because her joy figuratively lasted an hour, but when she saw her husband after knocking at her front door it literally killed her, which closed any door of her infinite hope of freedom. Rather than dying of “the joy that kills” as the doctor presumed was the cause of her death, the reader may interpret it as though she in fact died because all joy was stolen the moment the epiphany of her liberating emotions were abruptly halted.

I would have to admit that I agree with what Chopin was aiming at conveying. I believe many women since the beginning of time marry for the wrong reasons. This story relates to my own experience of what I witnessed of women in my life marry for, whether it was for financial security, insurance purposes, because there were children involved, or just mere societal pressures. It made me realize that nothing can and will pressure me to marry nor would I ever want that for my children. Stories such as these shed light on the fact that a woman shouldn’t marry unless she’s in love and should never feel hopeless. I’m grateful that women have more options nowadays in our society.

I will only ever get married if I feel completely compelled because I want to not because I need to or because someone tells me to. This story Kate Chopin holds a strong connection for me, I wonder if the women that I am referring to would have also felt a sense of relief if they lost their husbands, what a tragic possible truth that is. After reading this story I also feel at the same time saddened that her husband was unaware of how she felt and will never know. Many husbands are not told the truth from the beginning and are blindly in a loveless union.

Cite this paper

Reader Response to “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin Rhetorical Analysis. (2020, Sep 09). Retrieved from https://samploon.com/reader-response-to-the-story-of-an-hour-by-kate-chopin/

Select a writer from a large pool of experts
Share your assignment's requirements
Get a 100% unique and top-quality paper

Check related topics

reader response essay on the story of an hour

Hi! Peter is on the line!

Don't settle for a cookie-cutter essay. Receive a tailored piece that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Essay Service Examples Literature The Story of An Hour

Reader Response Essay on 'The Story of an Hour'

Proper editing and formatting
Free revision, title page, and bibliography
Flexible prices and money-back guarantee

Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.

Cite this paper

Join our 150k of happy users

Get original paper written according to your instructions
Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.

Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!

By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Say goodbye to copy-pasting!

Get custom-crafted papers for you.

Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!

Literary Theory and Criticism

Home › Literature › Analysis of Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour

Analysis of Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour

By NASRULLAH MAMBROL on July 28, 2021

Originally entitled “The Dream of an Hour” when it was first published in Vogue (December 1894), “The Story of an Hour” has since become one of Kate Chopin’s most frequently anthologized stories. Among her shortest and most daring works, “Story” examines issues of feminism, namely, a woman’s dissatisfaction in a conventional marriage and her desire for independence. It also features Chopin’s characteristic irony and ambiguity .

The story begins with Louise Mallard’s being told about her husband’s presumed death in a train accident. Louise initially weeps with wild abandon, then retires alone to her upstairs bedroom. As she sits facing the open window, observing the new spring life outside, she realizes with a “clear and exalted perception” that she is now free of her husband’s “powerful will bending hers” (353). She becomes delirious with the prospect that she can now live for herself and prays that her life may be long. Her newfound independence is short-lived, however. In a surprise ending, her husband walks through the front door, and Louise suffers a heart attack and dies. Her death may be considered a tragic defeat or a pyrrhic victory for a woman who would rather die than lose that “possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being” (353). The doctors ironically attribute her death to the “joy that kills” (354).

BIBLIOGRAPHY Chopin, Kate. The Complete Works of Kate Chopin. Edited by Per Seyersted. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1969. Koloski, Bernard. Kate Chopin: A Study of the Short Fiction. New York: Twayne, 1996. Seyersted, Per. Kate Chopin: A Critical Biography. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1969. Toth, Emily. Kate Chopin. New York: Morrow, 1990

The Story of An Hour - Study Guide

Kate Chopin 's The Story of An Hour (1894) is considered one of the finest pieces of Feminist Literature. We hope that our study guide is particularly useful for teachers and students to get the most from the story and appreciate its boldness shaking up the literary community of its time.

Here's the story: The Story of An Hour , Character Analysis & Summary , Genre & Themes , Historical Context , Quotes , Discussion Questions , Useful Links , and Notes/Teacher Comments

Character Analysis & Summary

Plot Summary : Chopin basically summarizes the external events of the story in the first sentence: "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."

Genre & Themes

Challenge Social Conventions : Rather than conform to what's expected, honor your own needs. Just because it's the way it's always been, doesn't mean it has to continue at your expense.

Situational Irony : Life's a bitch-- just when you think you're free from obligation, you go and die yourself, which kind of makes liberation a bit pointless. Chopin's story is a great example of the literary device called situational irony .

Historical Context

Feminist literature, both fiction and non-fiction, supports feminist goals for the equal rights of women in their economic, social, civic, and political status relative to men. Such literature dates back to the 15th century (The Tale of Joan of Arc by Christine de Pisan), Mary Wollstonecraft in the 18th century, Virginia Woolf , Elizabeth Cady Stanton , Florence Nightingale , Elizabeth Perkins Gilman , and Louisa May Alcott . Kate Chopin 's best known novel, The Awakening (1899) and Mary E. Wilkins Freeman 's A New England Nun (1891) led the emerging modern feminist literary movement into the 20th century, during which women earned the right to vote, fought for economic, social, political, educational, and reproductive rights with Gloria Steinem and the Women's Liberation Movement. The 21st century has brought a resurgence of interest in Margaret Atwood 's The Handmaid's Tale with a new streaming video series , and the Women's March After President Trump's Inauguration (2017) drew more than a million protesters in cities throughout the country and world.

It's helpful to know the list of grievances and demands a group of activitists (mostly women) published in The Declaration of Sentiments in 1848. Principal author and first women's conference organizer was Elizabeth Cady Stanton , with high-profile support from abolitionist Frederick Douglass . Many more struggles and attempts to change public opinion followed the conference; it took 72 more years for women to secure the right to vote.

A brief History of Feminism

“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."

“She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance."

“When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. She would have no one follow her."

“She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will--as powerless as her two white slender hands would have been."

"'Free, free, free!'' The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright."

"What could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in the face of this possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being!"

"When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease--of the joy that kills."

Discussion Questions

9. Elaborate on Chopin's uses of irony: 1) Situational Irony : when she gets her freedom, she dies anyway 2) Verbal irony : What is said explicitly is much different than the text's inferences (thinking rather than saying). Reacting to news of a spouse's death with relief, nevermind "monstrous joy" is an "inappropriate" response, for sure. She keeps these thoughts in her head (whispering her chant), with the door closed.

10. Discuss the concept of repression and Chopin's assertion of her real cause of death: "the joy that kills."

11. Read Chopin's allegory about freedom from a cage, her short-short story, Emancipation: A Life Fable . Compare its theme, tone, symbols, and use of irony to this story.

Essay Prompt : Tell the same story from Josephine's point of view (remember, Louisa keeps her door shut most of the time).

Essay Prompt : Consider reading the one act play by Susan Glaspell , Trifles (1916), about a murder trial which challenges our perceptions of justice and morality. Compare it to Chopin's The Story of An Hour

Essay Prompt : Read Kate Chopin 's biography (feel free to extend your research to other sources). How does her personal story reflect her writing?

Useful Links

Biography and Works by Kate Chopin

American Literature's biographies of featured Women Writers

ELA Common Core Lesson plan ideas for "The Story of An Hour"

Veiled Hints and Irony in Chopin's "The Story of An Hour"

Feminist Approaches to Literature , read more about the genre

Kate Chopin's "The Awakening": Searching for Women & Identity

KateChopin.org's biography and assessment of her work

Is It Actually Ironic? TED-Ed lessons on irony

Notes/Teacher Comments

Visit our Teacher Resources , supporting literacy instruction across all grade levels

American Literature's Study Guides

English Studies

This website is dedicated to English Literature, Literary Criticism, Literary Theory, English Language and its teaching and learning.

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, first published in 1894 in the St. Louis Life magazine, was later included in the 1895 collection “Vojageur” and in the 1895 edition of “Bayou Folk”. This iconic short story features a unique narrative structure, where the protagonist, Louise Mallard, experiences a rollercoaster of emotions upon learning of her husband’s death in a railroad accident. The story showcases Chopin’s mastery of exploring themes of freedom, marriage, and the human psyche, all within a concise and gripping narrative that has captivated readers for over a century. Some key features of the story include its use of irony, symbolism, and a focus on the inner experiences of the protagonist, making it a landmark of American literary modernism.

Main Events in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Table of Contents

Mrs. Mallard Learns of Her Husband’s Death : Mrs. Mallard, afflicted with a heart condition, is gently informed of her husband’s death in a train accident by her sister Josephine and their friend Richards.
Initial Grief and Solitude : Mrs. Mallard weeps in her sister’s arms and then withdraws to her room alone, overwhelmed by grief.
Contemplation by the Window : Sitting alone in her room, Mrs. Mallard gazes out the window, observing signs of new life and feeling a sense of physical and emotional exhaustion.
A Subtle Awakening : Mrs. Mallard begins to feel a subtle and elusive sense of freedom creeping over her, whispering “free, free, free!” as she starts to recognize a new sensation within herself.
Embracing Freedom : As Mrs. Mallard acknowledges the prospect of freedom from her husband’s will and societal expectations, she feels a rush of joy and welcomes the years ahead for herself.
Recognition of Self-Assertion : Mrs. Mallard reflects on the strength of her own desires for autonomy and self-assertion, realizing that it surpasses the complexities of love and relationships.
Resistance and Revelation : Despite her sister’s pleas, Mrs. Mallard resists leaving her newfound sense of liberation, reveling in the elixir of life streaming through her open window.
Vision of the Future : Mrs. Mallard’s imagination runs wild with possibilities for her future, filled with dreams of spring and summer days that will be entirely her own.
Triumphant Reveal : Mrs. Mallard emerges from her room, exuding a feverish triumph, and descends the stairs with her sister, unaware of what awaits her.
Shocking Revelation and Tragic End : The story takes a dramatic turn as Mrs. Mallard’s husband, Brently Mallard, returns home unharmed, unaware of the news of his death. The shock of his appearance leads to Mrs. Mallard’s sudden death, attributed by doctors to “the joy that kills.”

Literary Devices in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin


	“railroad accident”	Reference to a common and feared event at the time, evoking a sense of tragedy and shock.
	“free, free, free”	Repetition of the word “free” at the beginning of successive clauses emphasizes Louise’s longing for freedom and her triumphant feeling.
	“She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength.”	Description of Louise’s physical appearance and personality traits, revealing her inner struggles and resilience.
Contrast	“She had loved him—sometimes. Often she had not.”	Juxtaposition of opposing ideas (love and indifference) highlights the complexity of Louise’s feelings and her mixed emotions.
	“the delicious breath of rain was in the air”	Vivid description of a sensory experience, creating a sense of freshness and new life, symbolizing Louise’s liberation.
	“the joy that kills”	Unexpected twist: Louise’s newfound freedom and joy ultimately lead to her death, highlighting the complexity of her emotions.
	“a goddess of Victory”	Comparison of Louise to a triumphant deity, emphasizing her sense of empowerment and freedom.
	Freedom	Recurring theme of freedom, emphasizing its significance to Louise and her desire for autonomy.
	“the patches of blue sky showing here and there”	Attributing human-like qualities to the sky, creating a sense of hope and freedom.
	“free”	Emphasis through repeated use of the word “free”, highlighting Louise’s longing and triumphant feeling.
	Open window and blue sky	Representation of freedom, hope, and new life, symbolizing Louise’s liberation from her oppressive marriage.
	“the kind, tender hands folded in death”	Using a part (hands) to represent the whole (Brently’s deceased body), emphasizing Louise’s emotional response.
	Somber, reflective, and triumphant	Author’s attitude, creating a sense of seriousness, introspection, and ultimately, liberation.
	“a monstrous joy”	Words conveying a meaning opposite of their literal definition, highlighting the complexity of Louise’s emotions.
Imagery (Visual)	“the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life”	Description of settings and characters to create vivid mental images, emphasizing the sense of new life and freedom.
	“What was it? She did not know; it was too subtle and elusive to name.”	Hinting at events that will occur later (Louise’s death), creating tension and suspense.
	“She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will—”	Unstructured flow of thoughts and feelings, revealing Louise’s inner turmoil and emotional struggle.
Suspense	“There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully.”	Tension created by uncertainty, keeping the reader engaged and invested in Louise’s story.
Syntax	Short, simple sentences	Unconventional sentence structure, creating a sense of urgency, simplicity, and directness, emphasizing Louise’s emotions and thoughts.

Characterization in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Afflicted with a heart condition, which influences her physical and emotional state throughout the story.
Initially portrayed as experiencing grief and sorrow over her husband’s death but undergoes a transformation as she contemplates the prospect of freedom.
Symbolizes themes of repression, liberation, and the complexities of marriage and societal expectations.
Acts as a supportive figure to Mrs. Mallard, informing her of her husband’s death and attempting to comfort her.
Represents familial bonds and the role of women in supporting each other in times of crisis.
Present when the news of Brently Mallard’s death is revealed to Mrs. Mallard.
His actions highlight the societal norms of male friendship and the expectation of delivering difficult news to women.
Appears briefly at the end of the story, shocking Mrs. Mallard and ultimately leading to her death.
Serves as a catalyst for Mrs. Mallard’s emotional journey and the revelation of her desire for freedom.
Represents the constraints of traditional marriage and the loss of individual identity within such relationships.

Major Themes in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Freedom and Liberation : The story explores the theme of freedom through Mrs. Mallard’s reaction to her husband’s death. Initially grieving, she experiences a profound sense of liberation and anticipates a future free from the constraints of marriage and societal expectations.
Repression and Identity : Mrs. Mallard’s emotional journey highlights the repression of her true feelings within her marriage and society. Her brief moment of freedom allows her to glimpse her own desires and identity apart from her role as a wife.
Irony and Unexpected Twists : Chopin employs irony and unexpected twists to challenge conventional narrative expectations. The revelation of Brently Mallard’s survival and Mrs. Mallard’s subsequent death subverts the reader’s assumptions and underscores the complexities of human emotion and experience.
Death and Joy : The story juxtaposes themes of death and joy, suggesting that liberation and self-realization can emerge from unexpected or even tragic circumstances. Mrs. Mallard’s death, attributed to “the joy that kills,” underscores the paradoxical nature of human emotions and the complexities of inner lives.

Writing Style in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Descriptive Imagery : Chopin employs vivid and sensory language to create imagery that immerses the reader in the setting and emotions of the story. Descriptions of the springtime scene outside Mrs. Mallard’s window, such as “aquiver with the new spring life,” evoke a sense of renewal and vitality.
Stream-of-Consciousness : The story delves into Mrs. Mallard’s thoughts and feelings, often in a stream-of-consciousness style. This technique allows readers to experience her internal turmoil and the rapid shifts in her emotions as she grapples with the news of her husband’s death and the prospect of freedom.
Symbolism : Chopin utilizes symbolism to convey deeper themes and meanings throughout the narrative. For example, the open window symbolizes the possibility of escape and liberation, while Mrs. Mallard’s physical and emotional confinement within her home reflects the constraints of her marriage and societal expectations.
Irony and Subtext : The story is marked by irony and subtle subtext, particularly in its exploration of Mrs. Mallard’s reaction to her husband’s death. While her initial response appears to be one of grief, it gradually becomes clear that she is experiencing a sense of liberation and joy at the prospect of newfound freedom.
Economy of Language : Chopin’s writing in “The Story of an Hour” is characterized by its economy of language, with each word carefully chosen to maximize impact. This concise style contributes to the story’s intensity and emotional resonance, allowing readers to experience the protagonist’s inner journey with clarity and immediacy.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin


	Louise’s struggle for autonomy and independence	“There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself.”	Louise’s desire for self-assertion and freedom from patriarchal oppression is a central theme.
	Louise’s repressed emotions and inner conflict	“She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will—”	Louise’s inner turmoil and emotional struggle with her husband’s death reveal her repressed desires and inner conflict.
Symbolic Theory	Symbols of freedom and oppression	“The open window and blue sky”	The open window and blue sky symbolize freedom, hope, and new life, while the closed door and darkness symbolize oppression and confinement.

Feminist Theory :

Interpretation: Louise’s struggle for autonomy and independence
Example: “There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself.”
Explanation: Louise’s desire for self-assertion and freedom from patriarchal oppression is a central theme. She rejects the societal expectations of women and seeks to live for herself, symbolizing her autonomy and independence.

Psychoanalytic Theory:

Interpretation: Louise’s repressed emotions and inner conflict
Example: “She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will—”
Explanation: Louise’s inner turmoil and emotional struggle with her husband’s death reveal her repressed desires and inner conflict. Her feelings of freedom and joy are juxtaposed with her guilt and grief, highlighting her complex psyche.

Symbolic Theory:

Interpretation: Symbols of freedom and oppression
Example: “The open window and blue sky”
Explanation: The open window and blue sky symbolize freedom, hope, and new life, while the closed door and darkness symbolize oppression and confinement. The window and sky represent Louise’s desire for escape and freedom, while the door and darkness represent her trapped and oppressive life.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin


Gender Roles and Societal Expectations	How does the story challenge traditional gender roles?	In “The Story of an Hour,” Kate Chopin subverts societal expectations by portraying Mrs. Mallard’s reaction to her husband’s death as a complex exploration of liberation and self-assertion.
Psychological Realism and Inner Conflict	What psychological insights does the story offer about human emotions and inner conflict?	Through Mrs. Mallard’s internal journey, Chopin provides a nuanced portrayal of human psychology, revealing the complexities of grief, repression, and the pursuit of personal freedom.
Irony and Narrative Subversion	How does Chopin use irony to subvert narrative expectations?	Chopin employs irony throughout the story to challenge conventional narrative structures and reveal the unexpected complexities of human experience, particularly in moments of emotional revelation.
Symbolism and Subtext	What symbolic elements contribute to the deeper meaning of the story?	The use of symbolism, such as the open window and Mrs. Mallard’s physical confinement, underscores the story’s exploration of liberation, repression, and the struggle for individual identity.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

What is the significance of the title “The Story of an Hour” and how does it relate to the story’s themes? The title “The Story of an Hour” refers to the brief period of time during which the protagonist, Louise Mallard, experiences a sense of freedom and liberation after hearing of her husband’s death. This hour represents a turning point in her life, as she momentarily breaks free from the societal expectations and constraints that have defined her marriage. The title highlights the story’s exploration of freedom, individuality, and the oppressive nature of societal norms.
How does Kate Chopin use symbolism in “The Story of an Hour” to convey the protagonist’s emotional journey and the themes of the story? Kate Chopin employs symbolism throughout the story to convey Louise’s emotional journey and the themes of freedom, individuality, and oppression. The open window, for instance, symbolizes Louise’s newfound freedom and her desire to break free from the constraints of her marriage. The “blue and far” sky represents the limitless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. The “new spring of life” and the “delicious breath of rain” symbolize renewal and rejuvenation, reflecting Louise’s growing sense of hope and liberation.
What role does irony play in “The Story of an Hour,” and how does it contribute to the story’s themes and character development? Irony plays a significant role in “The Story of an Hour,” as it underscores the contradictions and tensions that exist between societal expectations and individual desires. The story’s use of dramatic irony, where the reader is aware of Louise’s inner thoughts and feelings, while the other characters are not, highlights the disconnect between her public and private selves. The situational irony, where Louise’s husband returns alive, subverts the reader’s expectations and underscores the oppressive nature of societal norms, which deny women their individuality and freedom.
How does “The Story of an Hour” reflect the social and cultural context in which it was written, and what commentary does it offer on the status of women during this time period? “The Story of an Hour” reflects the social and cultural context of the late 19th century, a time when women’s rights and freedoms were severely limited. The story critiques the patriarchal society and the institution of marriage, which often trapped women in loveless and oppressive relationships. Through Louise’s character, Chopin highlights the suffocating nature of societal expectations and the longing for individuality and freedom that many women experienced during this time period. The story’s exploration of these themes offers a commentary on the status of women and the need for greater autonomy and self-expression.

Literary Works Similar to “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

“ The Yellow Wallpaper ” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman : This story explores themes of female oppression and mental health as a woman confined to a room by her husband begins to unravel psychologically.
“ A Jury of Her Peers ” by Susan Glaspell : Based on Glaspell’s play “Trifles,” this story delves into gender roles and justice as women uncover crucial evidence while accompanying their husbands on a murder investigation.
“The Awakening” by Kate Chopin : Another work by Chopin, this novella examines the constraints of marriage and societal expectations as a woman seeks independence and self-discovery in late 19th-century Louisiana.
“ The Chrysanthemums ” by John Steinbeck : Set in the Salinas Valley during the Great Depression, this story follows a woman’s encounter with a traveling tinkerer, exploring themes of isolation, longing, and gender roles.
“The Story of a Dead Man” by Ambrose Bierce : Bierce’s story, similar to “The Story of an Hour,” explores themes of freedom and liberation as a man seemingly returns from the dead, causing his widow to contemplate her newfound independence.

Articles on “The Story of an Hour”:

Mitchell, Angelyn. “Feminine Double Consciousness in Kate Chopin’s ‘The Story of an Hour.'” CEAMagazine 5.1 (1992): 59-64.
Miner, Madonne M. “Veiled Hints: An Affective Stylist’s Reading of Kate Chopin’s ‘Story of an Hour.'” Markham Review 11 (1982): 29-32.

Web Resource:

The Kate Chopin International Society offers a wealth of information on Chopin and “The Story of an Hour,” including the full text of the story and critical essays: Kate Chopin International Society: https://www.katechopin.org/story-hour/

Representative Quotations from “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin


“She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister’s arms.”	Louise’s initial reaction to news of her husband’s death	Feminist Theory: highlights the societal expectation of women’s emotional response to tragedy
“There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds…”	Louise’s gaze out the window, symbolizing freedom and hope	Symbolic Theory: the open window and blue sky represent freedom and new life
“She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength.”	Description of Louise’s physical appearance and personality	Psychoanalytic Theory: reveals Louise’s repressed emotions and inner conflict
“She said it over and over under her breath: ‘free, free, free!'”	Louise’s whispered word, symbolizing her desire for autonomy	Feminist Theory: highlights the importance of individual freedom and autonomy
“There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself.”	Louise’s realization of her newfound independence	Existentialist Theory: emphasizes individual responsibility and self-assertion
“What could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in the face of this possession of self-assertion…”	Louise’s reflection on the significance of love and self-assertion	Psychoanalytic Theory: reveals the tension between societal expectations and individual desires
“She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long.”	Louise’s desire for a long and independent life	Existentialist Theory: emphasizes the individual’s desire for life and autonomy

“The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams
“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce: Analysis
“The Shawl” by Cynthia Ozick: Analysis
“The Old Pond” by Matsuo Basho: Analysis

The Story of an Hour

Kate chopin.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

Summary & Analysis

Women in 19th-Century Society Theme Icon

Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

pryseonpoetry

Just another wordpress.com site.

Reader Response: The Story of an Hour

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin cannot be dismissed as fiction with nothing more than local colour. The ending is extremely important, being one of pure dramatic irony, but neither is the ending greater than the other parts of the story.

Chopin captures a surprising theme in this work (written in 1894), of Mrs. Mallard who meets the news of her husband’s death with a luxurious hopefulness for a future filled with freedom rather than with the expected grief and pain. After hearing the news of her widowhood, Mrs. Mallard secludes herself in her bedroom where surprisingly she experiences intense sights, smells and feelings from her window. Spring is quivering in leaves (movement), there is a “delicious breath” of rain (scent) and sparrows twittering and a peddler crying (sounds). Physically, Mallard’s pulse is beating fast, her blood is warmed and every inch of her body is relaxed. The bedroom scene leaves the impression that Mallard is completely and finally alive.

Mallard’s husband, we are once more surprised to learn is not unkind or abusive but is described by Mallard as “loving”. The marriage however is restrictive, perhaps appropriate for the time, which Mallard experiences as oppressive. Her husband’s will “tries to bend her” and that is what Mallard feels “free” of with the news of her husband’s death. When her husband suddenly walks through the door, Mallard dies of a sudden heart attack. This is pure irony because the shock of learning her husband is alive after experiencing the pleasure of the news of his death is the shock that ultimately kills Mallard.

Irony is everywhere in this short story—including the final lines in which doctors proclaim Mrs. Mallard died of “joy that kills” i.e. the joy learning her husband was alive when she was expecting he had died and it is actually the opposite that was the cause of death. Ironic too is the surname Chopin chooses for the main character, “Mallard”—ducks which are monogamous for life and can only be separated by death.

Do you agree disagree? Please feel free to leave your response to mine 🙂

Choose Your Test

Search Blogs By Category
College Admissions
AP and IB Exams
GPA and Coursework

The Story of an Hour: Summary and Analysis

General Education

Imagine a world where women are fighting for unprecedented rights, the economic climate is unpredictable, and new developments in technology are made every year. While this world might sound like the present day, it also describes America in the 1890s .

It was in this world that author Kate Chopin wrote and lived, and many of the issues of the period are reflected in her short story, “The Story of an Hour.” Now, over a century later, the story remains one of Kate Chopin’s most well-known works and continues to shed light on the internal struggle of women who have been denied autonomy.

In this guide to Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” we’ll discuss:

A brief history of Kate Chopin and America the 1890s
“The Story of an Hour” summary
Analysis of the key story elements in “The Story of an Hour,” including themes, characters, and symbols

By the end of this article, you’ll have an expert grasp on Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour.” So let’s get started!

“The Story of an Hour” Summary

If it’s been a little while since you’ve read Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” it can be hard to remember the important details. This section includes a quick recap, but you can find “The Story of an Hour” PDF and full version here . We recommend you read it again before diving into our analyses in the next section!

For those who just need a refresher, here’s “The Story of an Hour” summary:

Mrs. Louise Mallard is at home when her sister, Josephine, and her husband’s friend, Richards, come to tell her that her husband, Brently Mallard, has been killed in a railroad accident . Richards had been at the newspaper office when the news broke, and he takes Josephine with him to break the news to Louise since they’re afraid of aggravating her heart condition. Upon hearing the news of her husband’s death, Louise is grief-stricken, locks herself in her room, and weeps.

From here, the story shifts in tone. As Louise processes the news of her husband’s death, she realizes something wonderful and terrible at the same time: she is free . At first she’s scared to admit it, but Louise quickly finds peace and joy in her admission. She realizes that, although she will be sad about her husband (“she had loved him—sometimes,” Chopin writes), Louise is excited for the opportunity to live for herself. She keeps repeating the word “free” as she comes to terms with what her husband’s death means for her life.

In the meantime, Josephine sits at Louise’s door, coaxing her to come out because she is worried about Louise’s heart condition. After praying that her life is long-lived, Louise agrees to come out. However, as she comes downstairs, the front door opens to reveal her husband, who had not been killed by the accident at all. Although Richards tries to keep Louise’s heart from shock by shielding her husband from view, Louise dies suddenly, which the doctors later attribute to “heart disease—of the joy that kills .”

Kate Chopin, the author of "The Story of an Hour," has become one of the most important American writers of the 19th century.

The History of Kate Chopin and the 1890s

Before we move into “The Story of an Hour” analysis section, it’s helpful to know a little bit about Kate Chopin and the world she lived in.

A Short Biography of Kate Chopin

Born in 1850 to wealthy Catholic parents in St. Louis, Missouri, Kate Chopin (originally Kate O’Flaherty) knew hardship from an early age. In 1855, Chopin lost her father, Thomas, when he passed away in a tragic and unexpected railroad accident. The events of this loss would stay with Kate for the rest of her life, eventually becoming the basis for “The Story of an Hour” nearly forty years later.

Chopin was well-educated throughout her childhood , reading voraciously and becoming fluent in French. Chopin was also very aware of the divide between the powerful and the oppressed in society at the time . She grew up during the U.S. Civil War, so she had first-hand knowledge of violence and slavery in the United States.

Chopin was also exposed to non-traditional roles for women through her familial situation. Her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chose to remain widows (rather than remarry) after their husbands died. Consequently, Chopin learned how important women’s independence could be, and that idea would permeate much of her writing later on.

As Chopin grew older, she became known for her beauty and congeniality by society in St. Louis. She was married at the age of nineteen to Oscar Chopin, who came from a wealthy cotton-growing family. The couple moved to New Orleans, where they would start both a general store and a large family. (Chopin would give birth to seven children over the next nine years!)

While Oscar adored his wife, he was less capable of running a business. Financial trouble forced the family to move around rural Louisiana. Unfortunately, Oscar would die of swamp fever in 1882 , leaving Chopin in heavy debt and with the responsibility of managing the family’s struggling businesses.

After trying her hand at managing the property for a year, Chopin conceded to her mother’s requests to return with her children to St. Louis. Chopin’s mother died the year after. In order to support herself and her children, Kate began to write to support her family.

Luckily, Chopin found immediate success as a writer. Many of her short stories and novels—including her most famous novel, The Awakening— dealt with life in Louisiana . She was also known as a fast and prolific writer, and by the end of the 1900s she had written over 100 stories, articles, and essays.

Unfortunately, Chopin would pass away from a suspected cerebral hemorrhage in 1904, at the age of 54 . But Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” and other writings have withstood the test of time. Her work has lived on, and she’s now recognized as one of the most important American writers of the 19th century.

American life was undergoing significant change in the 19th century. Technology, culture, and even leisure activities were changing.

American Life in the 1890s

“The Story of an Hour” was written and published in 1894, right as the 1800s were coming to a close. As the world moved into the new century, American life was also changing rapidly.

For instance, t he workplace was changing drastically in the 1890s . Gone were the days where most people were expected to work at a trade or on a farm. Factory jobs brought on by industrialization made work more efficient, and many of these factory owners gradually implemented more humane treatment of their workers, giving them more leisure time than ever.

Though the country was in an economic recession at this time, technological changes like electric lighting and the popularization of radios bettered the daily lives of many people and allowed for the creation of new jobs. Notably, however, work was different for women . Working women as a whole were looked down upon by society, no matter why they found themselves in need of a job.

Women who worked while they were married or pregnant were judged even more harshly. Women of Kate Chopin’s social rank were expected to not work at all , sometimes even delegating the responsibility of managing the house or child-rearing to maids or nannies. In the 1890s, working was only for lower class women who could not afford a life of leisure .

In reaction to this, the National American Woman Suffrage Association was created in 1890, which fought for women’s social and political rights. While Kate Chopin was not a formal member of the suffragette movements, she did believe that women should have greater freedoms as individuals and often talked about these ideas in her works, including in “The Story of an Hour.”

Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" a short exploration of marriage and repression in America.

“The Story of an Hour” Analysis

Now that you have some important background information, it’s time to start analyzing “The Story of an Hour.”

This short story is filled with opposing forces . The themes, characters, and even symbols in the story are often equal, but opposite, of one another. Within “The Story of an Hour,” analysis of all of these elements reveals a deeper meaning.

“The Story of an Hour” Themes

A theme is a message explored in a piece of literature. Most stories have multiple themes, which is certainly the case in “The Story of an Hour.” Even though Chopin’s story is short, it discusses the thematic ideas of freedom, repression, and marriage.

Keep reading for a discussion of the importance of each theme!

Freedom and Repression

The most prevalent theme in Chopin’s story is the battle between freedom and “repression.” Simply put , repression happens when a person’s thoughts, feelings, or desires are being subdued. Repression can happen internally and externally. For example, if a person goes through a traumatic accident, they may (consciously or subconsciously) choose to repress the memory of the accident itself. Likewise, if a person has wants or needs that society finds unacceptable, society can work to repress that individual. Women in the 19th century were often victims of repression. They were supposed to be demure, gentle, and passive—which often went against women’s personal desires.

Given this, it becomes apparent that Louise Mallard is the victim of social repression. Until the moment of her husband’s supposed death, Louise does not feel free . In their marriage, Louise is repressed. Readers see this in the fact that Brently is moving around in the outside world, while Louise is confined to her home. Brently uses railroad transportation on his own, walks into his house of his own accord, and has individual possessions in the form of his briefcase and umbrella. Brently is even free from the knowledge of the train wreck upon his return home. Louise, on the other hand, is stuck at home by virtue of her position as a woman and her heart condition.

Here, Chopin draws a strong contrast between what it means to be free for men and women. While freedom is just part of what it means to be a man in America, freedom for women looks markedly different. Louise’s life is shaped by what society believes a woman should be and how a wife should behave. Once Louise’s husband “dies,” however, she sees a way where she can start claiming some of the more “masculine” freedoms for herself. Chopin shows how deeply important freedom is to the life of a woman when, in the end, it’s not the shock of her husband’s return of her husband that kills Louise, but rather the thought of losing her freedom again.

Marriage as a “The Story of an Hour” theme is more than just an idyllic life spent with a significant other. The Mallard’s marriage shows a reality of 1890s life that was familiar to many people. Marriage was a means of social control —that is to say, marriage helped keep women in check and secure men’s social and political power. While husbands were usually free to wander the world on their own, hold jobs, and make important family decisions, wives (at least those of the upper class) were expected to stay at home and be domestic.

Marriage in Louise Mallard’s case has very little love. She sees her marriage as a life-long bond in which she feels trapped, which readers see when she confesses that she loved her husband only “sometimes.” More to the point, she describes her marriage as a “powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature.” In other words, Louise Mallard feels injustice in the expectation that her life is dictated by the will of her husband.

Like the story, the marriages Kate witnessed often ended in an early or unexpected death. The women of her family, including Kate herself, all survived their husbands and didn’t remarry. While history tells us that Kate Chopin was happy in her marriage, she was aware that many women weren’t. By showing a marriage that had been built on control and society’s expectations, Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” highlights the need for a world that respected women as valuable partners in marriage as well as capable individuals.

body-young-woman-looking-through-a-window

While this painting by Johann Georg Meyer wasn't specifically of Louise Mallard, "Young Woman Looking Through a Window" is a depiction of what Louise might have looked like as she realized her freedom.

"The Story of an Hour" Characters

The best stories have developed characters, which is the case in “The Story of an Hour,” too. Five characters make up the cast of “The Story of an Hour”:

Louise Mallard

Brently mallard.

The doctor(s)

By exploring the details of each character, we can better understand their motivations, societal role, and purpose to the story.

From the opening sentence alone, we learn a lot about Louise Mallard. Chopin writes, “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.”

From that statement alone, we know that she is married, has a heart condition, and is likely to react strongly to bad news . We also know that the person who is sharing the bad news views Louise as delicate and sensitive. Throughout the next few paragraphs, we also learn that Louise is a housewife, which indicates that she would be part of the middle-to-upper class in the 1890s. Chopin also describes Louise’s appearance as “young,” “fair, calm face,” with lines of “strength.” These characteristics are not purely physical, but also bleed into her character throughout the story.

Louise’s personality is described as different from other women . While many women would be struck with the news in disbelief, Louise cries with “wild abandonment”—which shows how powerful her emotions are. Additionally, while other women would be content to mourn for longer, Louise quickly transitions from grief to joy about her husband’s passing.

Ultimately, Chopin uses Louise’s character to show readers what a woman’s typical experience within marriage was in the 1890s. She uses Louise to criticize the oppressive and repressive nature of marriage, especially when Louise rejoices in her newfound freedom.

Josephine is Louise’s sister . We never hear of Josephine’s last name or whether she is married or not. We do know that she has come with Richards, a friend of Brently’s, to break the news of his death to her sister.

When Josephine tells Louise the bad news, she’s only able to tell Louise of Brently’s death in “veiled hints,” rather than telling her outright. Readers can interpret this as Josephine’s attempt at sparing Louise’s feelings. Josephine is especially worried about her sister’s heart condition, which we see in greater detail later as she warns Louise, “You will make yourself ill.” When Louise locks herself in her room, Josephine is desperate to make sure her sister is okay and begs Louise to let her in.

Josephine is the key supporting character for Louise, helping her mourn, though she never knows that Louise found new freedom from her husband’s supposed death . But from Josephine’s actions and interactions with Louise, readers can accurately surmise that she cares for her sister (even if she’s unaware of how miserable Louise finds her life).

Richards is another supporting character, though he is described as Brently’s friend, not Louise’s friend. It is Richards who finds out about Brently Mallard’s supposed death while at the newspaper office—he sees Brently’s name “leading the list of ‘killed.’” Richards’ main role in “The Story of an Hour” is to kick off the story’s plot.

Additionally, Richard’s presence at the newspaper office suggests he’s a writer, editor, or otherwise employee of the newspaper (although Chopin leaves this to readers’ inferences). Richards takes enough care to double-check the news and to make sure that Brently’s likely dead. He also enlists Josephine’s help to break the news to Louise. He tries to get to Louise before a “less careful, less tender friend” can break the sad news to her, which suggests that he’s a thoughtful person in his own right.

It’s also important to note is that Richards is aware of Louise’s heart condition, meaning that he knows Louise Mallard well enough to know of her health and how she is likely to bear grief. He appears again in the story at the very end, when he tries (and fails) to shield Brently from his wife’s view to prevent her heart from reacting badly. While Richards is a background character in the narrative, he demonstrates a high level of friendship, consideration, and care for Louise.

Brently Mallard would have been riding in a train like this one when the accident supposedly occurred.

Mr. Brently Mallard is the husband of the main character, Louise. We get few details about him, though readers do know he’s been on a train that has met with a serious accident. For the majority of the story, readers believe Brently Mallard is dead—though the end of “The Story of an Hour” reveals that he’s been alive all along. In fact, Brently doesn’t even know of the railroad tragedy when he arrives home “travel-stained.”

Immediately after Louise hears the news of his death, she remembers him fondly. She remarks on his “kind, tender hands” and says that Brently “never looked save with love” upon her . It’s not so much Brently as it’s her marriage to him which oppresses Louise. While he apparently always loved Louise, Louise only “sometimes” loved Brently. She constantly felt that he “impose[d] a private will” upon her, as most husbands do their wives. And while she realizes that Brently likely did so without malice, she also realized that “a kind intention or a cruel intention” makes the repression “no less a crime.”

Brently’s absence in the story does two things. First, it contrasts starkly with Louise’s life of illness and confinement. Second, Brently’s absence allows Louise to imagine a life of freedom outside of the confines of marriage , which gives her hope. In fact, when he appears alive and well (and dashes Louise’s hopes of freedom), she passes away.

The Doctor(s)

Though the mention of them is brief, the final sentence of the story is striking. Chopin writes, “When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease—of the joy that kills.” Just as she had no freedom in life, her liberation from the death of her husband is told as a joy that killed her.

In life as in death, the truth of Louise Mallard is never known. Everything the readers know about her delight in her newfound freedom happens in Louise’s own mind; she never gets the chance to share her secret joy with anyone else.

Consequently, the ending of the story is double-sided. If the doctors are to be believed, Louise Mallard was happy to see her husband, and her heart betrayed her. And outwardly, no one has any reason to suspect otherwise. Her reaction is that of a dutiful, delicate wife who couldn’t bear the shock of her husband returned from the grave.

But readers can infer that Louise Mallard died of the grief of a freedom she never had , then found, then lost once more. Readers can interpret Louise’s death as her experience of true grief in the story—that for her ideal life, briefly realized then snatched away.

In "The Story of an Hour," the appearance of hearts symbolize both repression and hope.

“The Story of an Hour” Symbolism and Motifs

Symbols are any object, word, or other element that appear in the story and have additional meanings beyond. Motifs are elements from a story that gain meaning from being repeated throughout the narrative. The line between symbols and motifs is often hazy, but authors use both to help communicate their ideas and themes.

In “The Story of an Hour,” symbolism is everywhere, but the three major symbols present in the story are:

The heart
The house and the outdoors
Joy and sorrow

Heart disease, referred to as a “heart condition” within the text, opens and closes the text. The disease is the initial cause for everyone’s concern, since Louise’s condition makes her delicate. Later, heart disease causes Louise’s death upon Brently’s safe return. In this case, Louise’s ailing heart has symbolic value because it suggests to readers that her life has left her heartbroken. When she believes she’s finally found freedom, Louise prays for a long life...when just the day before, she’d “had thought with a shudder that life might be long.”

As Louise realizes her freedom, it’s almost as if her heart sparks back to life. Chopin writes, “Now her bosom rose and fell tumultuously...she was striving to beat it back...Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body.” These words suggest that, with her newfound freedom, the symptoms of her heart disease have lifted. Readers can surmise that Louise’s diseased heart is the result of being repressed, and hope brings her heart back to life.

Unfortunately, when Brently comes back, so does Louise’s heart disease. And, although her death is attributed to joy, the return of her (both symbolic and literal) heart disease kills her in the end.

The House and the Outdoors

The second set of symbols are Louise’s house and the world she can see outside of her window. Chopin contrasts these two symbolic images to help readers better understand how marriage and repression have affected Louise.

First of all, Louise is confined to the home—both within the story and in general. For her, however, her home isn’t a place to relax and feel comfortable. It’s more like a prison cell. All of the descriptions of the house reinforce the idea that it’s closed off and inescapable . For instance, the front door is locked when Mr. Mallard returns home. When Mrs. Mallard is overcome with grief, she goes deeper inside her house and locks herself in her room.

In that room, however, Mrs. Mallard takes note of the outdoors by looking out of her window. Even in her momentary grief, she describes the “open square before her house” and “the new spring life.” The outdoors symbolize freedom in the story, so it’s no surprise that she realizes her newfound freedom as she looks out her window. Everything about the outside is free, beautiful, open, inviting, and pleasant...a stark contrast from the sadness inside the house .

The house and its differences from outdoors serve as one of many symbols for how Louise feels about her marriage: barred from a world of independence.

Joy and Sorrow

Finally, joy and sorrow are motifs that come at unexpected times throughout “The Story of an Hour.” Chopin juxtaposes joy and sorrow to highlight how tragedy releases Louise from her sorrow and gives her a joyous hope for the future.

At first, sorrow appears as Louise mourns the death of her husband. Yet, in just a few paragraphs, she finds joy in the event as she discovers a life of her own. Though Louise is able to see that feeling joy at such an event is “monstrous,” she continues to revel in her happiness.

It is later that, when others expect her to be joyful, Josephine lets out a “piercing cry,” and Louise dies. Doctors interpret this as “the joy that kills,” but more likely it’s a sorrow that kills. The reversal of the “appropriate” feelings at each event reveals how counterintuitive the “self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being” is to the surrounding culture. This paradox reveals something staggering about Louise’s married life: she is so unhappy with her situation that grief gives her hope...and she dies when that hope is taken away.

Key Takeaways: Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour”

Analyzing Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” takes time and careful thought despite the shortness of the story. The story is open to multiple interpretations and has a lot to reveal about women in the 1890s, and many of the story’s themes, characters, and symbols critique women’s marriage roles during the period .

There’s a lot to dig through when it comes to “The Story of an Hour” analysis. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember a few things :

Events from Kate Chopin’s life and from social changes in the 1890s provided a strong basis for the story.
Mrs. Louise Mallard’s heart condition, house, and feelings represent deeper meanings in the narrative.
Louise goes from a state of repression, to freedom, and then back to repression, and the thought alone is enough to kill her.

Remembering the key plot points, themes, characters, and symbols will help you write any essay or participate in any discussion. Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” has much more to uncover, so read it again, ask questions, and start exploring the story beyond the page!

What’s Next?

You may have found your way to this article because analyzing literature can be tricky to master. But like any skill, you can improve with practice! First, make sure you have the right tools for the job by learning about literary elements. Start by mastering the 9 elements in every piece of literature , then dig into our element-specific guides (like this one on imagery and this one on personification .)

Another good way to start practicing your analytical skills is to read through additional expert guides like this one. Literary guides can help show you what to look for and explain why certain details are important. You can start with our analysis of Dylan Thomas’ poem, “Do not go gentle into that good night.” We also have longer guides on other words like The Great Gatsby and The Crucible , too.

If you’re preparing to take the AP Literature exam, it’s even more important that you’re able to quickly and accurately analyze a text . Don’t worry, though: we’ve got tons of helpful material for you. First, check out this overview of the AP Literature exam . Once you have a handle on the test, you can start practicing the multiple choice questions , and even take a few full-length practice tests . Oh, and make sure you’re ready for the essay portion of the test by checking out our AP Literature reading list!

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

24/7 writing help on your phone

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Save to my list

Remove from my list

Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. (2016, Jul 14). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/short-response-on-the-story-of-an-hour-by-kate-chopin-essay

"Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin." StudyMoose , 14 Jul 2016, https://studymoose.com/short-response-on-the-story-of-an-hour-by-kate-chopin-essay

StudyMoose. (2016). Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/short-response-on-the-story-of-an-hour-by-kate-chopin-essay [Accessed: 25 Aug. 2024]

"Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin." StudyMoose, Jul 14, 2016. Accessed August 25, 2024. https://studymoose.com/short-response-on-the-story-of-an-hour-by-kate-chopin-essay

"Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin," StudyMoose , 14-Jul-2016. [Online]. Available: https://studymoose.com/short-response-on-the-story-of-an-hour-by-kate-chopin-essay. [Accessed: 25-Aug-2024]

An Analysis of the Short Story The Storm by Kate Chopin Pages: 3 (792 words)
A Creative Interpretation of the Short Story of Kate Chopin Pages: 4 (1149 words)
‘Desiree’s Baby’ by Kate Chopin Pages: 10 (2811 words)
Themes in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening Pages: 8 (2318 words)
Kate Chopin and her influence on women's rights Pages: 7 (2037 words)
Symbolism in "The Storm" by Kate Chopin Pages: 6 (1529 words)
Edna Pontellier in The Awakening by Kate Chopin Pages: 6 (1667 words)
The Story of an Hour and The Storm: The Concept of Change Through Nature in both Stories by Kate Chopin Pages: 7 (1941 words)
The Awakening by Kate Chopin: Symbolism, Imagery, Foreshadowing in the Novel Pages: 5 (1449 words)
"The Storm" by Kate Chopin Pages: 4 (1083 words)

Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin essay

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

The Story of an Hour

Trebuchet MS

Line Spacing

Column width, text alignment, reading mode.

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.

It was her sister Josephine who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing. Her husband's friend Richards was there, too, near her. It was he who had been in the newspaper office when intelligence of the railroad disaster was received, with Brently Mallard's name leading the list of "killed." He had only taken the time to assure himself of its truth by a second telegram, and had hastened to forestall any less careful, less tender friend in bearing the sad message.

She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms. When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. She would have no one follow her.

There stood, facing the open window, a comfortable, roomy armchair. Into this she sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul.

She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares. The notes of a distant song which some one was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves. There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window.

She sat with her head thrown back upon the cushion of the chair, quite motionless, except when a sob came up into her throat and shook her, as a child who has cried itself to sleep continues to sob in its dreams.

She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength. But now there was a dull stare in her eyes, whose gaze was fixed away off yonder on one of those patches of blue sky. It was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought.

There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully. What was it? She did not know; it was too subtle and elusive to name. But she felt it, creeping out of the sky, reaching toward her through the sounds, the scents, the color that filled the air.

Now her bosom rose and fell tumultuously. She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will — as powerless as her two white slender hands would have been. When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!" The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body. She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her. A clear and exalted perception enabled her to dismiss the suggestion as trivial.

She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death; the face that had never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead. But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome. There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature. A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime as she looked upon it in that brief moment of illumination.

And yet she had loved him — sometimes. Often she had not. What did it matter! What could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in face of this possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being!

"Free! Body and soul free!" she kept whispering.

Josephine was kneeling before the closed door with her lips to the keyhole, imploring for admission. "Louise, open the door! I beg, open the door — you will make yourself ill. What are you doing, Louise? For heaven's sake open the door."

"Go away. I am not making myself ill." No; she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window. Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own. She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long. It was only yesterday she had thought with a shudder that life might be long.

She arose at length and opened the door to her sister's importunities. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory. She clasped her sister's waist, and together they descended the stairs. Richards stood waiting for them at the bottom.

Someone was opening the front door with a latchkey. It was Brently Mallard who entered, a little travel-stained, composedly carrying his grip-sack and umbrella. He had been far from the scene of the accident, and did not even know there had been one. He stood amazed at Josephine's piercing cry; at Richards' quick motion to screen him from the view of his wife.

But Richards was too late.

When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease — of the joy that kills.

This ending also contains an example of dramatic irony. The doctors believe that Louise has died of joy, that she was so happily surprised by the arrival of her husband that she had a heart attack. However, readers know that Louise’s surprise is not joyful; having just been set free by his (supposed) death, the shock of her husband’s return, and the return to the status quo, kills her. Since readers know this but the other characters do not, this is an example of dramatic irony. This irony shows that Louise has died misunderstood by the people around her.

In the late 19th century, most doctors were men. Notice how these doctors draw exactly the wrong conclusion: that Louise was so in love with and dependent on her husband that the surprise of his arrival killed her. The doctors make a sexist and false assumption about Louise, assuming her complete devotion to her husband; it’s sexist because the same devotion would not necessarily be assumed of men.

This ending serves as an example of situational irony. At the beginning of the story, Josephine and Richards are worried that the news of her husband’s death will kill Louise, assuming that she would be devastated by it. But she is not devastated, and in fact the opposite of what readers might have expected takes place: the news that her husband hadn’t died ends up killing Louise.

Chopin sets this single sentence off as its own paragraph to add stronger emphasis. This short, declarative sentence forces readers to slow down and experience the information it conveys: that Richards was not able to hide the view Louise’s death from her husband, Brently.

An “importunity” is an annoyingly urgent or persistent request. To call Louise’s sister’s requests that she open the door “importunities” is to say that she was somewhat annoyingly persistent.

Before the news of her husband’s death, the idea of living a long life had seemed terrible to Louise because she didn’t feel that she was free. Now that she is free, she is excited about the idea of living a long life on her own terms. Chopin is showing how deeply the lack of freedom, the bending herself to her husband’s will, had troubled Louise.

When referring to thoughts, the verb phrase "to run riot" means that one's "fancy," or "imagination," is rapidly considering all possibilities without process or moderation. In other words, her imagination was running wild.

In ancient Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory. Because references to Greek mythology are common in English literature, readers might guess that Chopin was thinking of Nike. Either way, to carry yourself like a goddess of Victory is to carry yourself triumphantly, and to do so “unwittingly” means to carry yourself triumphantly without knowing or without trying.

The adjective "feverish" means that something is marked by intense emotion, which applies in this context. However, it can also refer to someone's having the symptoms of a fever: even in her moment of victory, readers are reminded that Louise is in poor health.

Here, self-assertion means the ability to say (assert) one's desires. Personal freedom is what’s so important to Louise, valuing the possession of this self-assertion more highly than the love she had for her husband. It doesn’t matter to her whether she had loved him sometimes or had not. What matters is the freedom, which she describes as her own “strongest impulse.”

The em dash serves many functions in writing. Here, the sentence contains only one em dash, emphasizing the last thought. This creates a break with the previous idea, the shift from “she had loved him,” to (but only) “sometimes.”

According to Louise, it doesn’t matter what someone else is forcing you to do; the forcing is itself a crime—whether "kind," "cruel," or otherwise. So even if her relationship with her husband had forced her down a path that was good for her, a path that she found agreeable or fulfilling, it wouldn’t matter. The fact that her husband had forced her down that path would itself be a problem.

Louise continues her moment of epiphany with a strong condemnation of societal expectations. Through Louise, Chopin writes that both men and women believe they have the right to control others; in the 19th century context of the story, the majority of that control would have been exercised by men, making Louise's observations critical of treatment of women at the time.

This is the defining moment of the story. Louise realizes that without her husband she will be able to do the things she wants to do without worrying about what he wants. She realizes that she values this freedom more highly than the love that she’d felt, at times, for her husband.

The adjective "exalted" means that Louise's perception is of a higher order, or very clear and noble. The connotations of the word suggest something like divine perception, which gives Louise clarity that the feeling is positive and not "monstrous."

The notion of a "monstrous joy" presents an oxymoron; things that are monstrous are not considered joyful. However, Chopin's choice of words serve to emphasize the tension of this moment: Louise doesn’t stop to ask whether she is joyful about the coming realization—a joy that would be “monstrous” because it is about her husband’s death, something that should not produce joy.

The beating of her pulse and blood coursing through her body are examples of kinesthetic imagery that help convey the heightened state in which this epiphany about personal freedom takes hold of her.

In this metaphor, Louise’s efforts to prevent herself from admitting that she’s excited to be free from her husband are compared to a physical fight, in which her “white slender hands” (a strong visual image suggesting her frailty) aren’t strong enough to fight off the realization that she’s trying to ignore.

Chopin again employs imagery in order to emphasize the power of this moment. The unknown feeling approaches her physically—visual imagery such as "creeping" and "reaching" convey the slow, yet steady, approach. The references to the sky, the sounds, the scents, and the color of the air harken back to the springtime imagery from a couple paragraphs earlier. This is Louise's moment of renewal.

This paragraph and the next one mark a shift in perspective and, therefore, a significant shift in tone. Earlier, Louise was observed from a distance, with a focus on other characters’ thoughts rather than her own. They saw her as fragile and vulnerable, which determined the language and tone of the story. Now, her own thoughts take center stage—“What was it?” is a question she is actually asking herself—and the whole tone of the story becomes more optimistic and excited. This optimism foreshadows her eventual feeling about the news of her husband’s death.

The suspension of “intelligent” thought here doesn’t mean that she is thinking unintelligently; rather, she isn’t consciously thinking anything—she’s staring blankly, vacantly, at the patch of blue sky. This detail creates a sense of anticipation: her thoughts have been suspended, which implies a pause that will eventually end.

In this simile, Louise is compared to a child that has exhausted itself from crying, yet cannot stop even in sleep. This simile reemphasizes Louise's fragility and vulnerability, which were introduced at the beginning of the story.

Louise isn’t the one crying in this sentence; the peddler is. In this context, “crying” means “crying out” or “calling out.” He is advertising the wares he has for sale.

In contrast to the storm metaphor earlier, notice the optimistic springtime imagery in this paragraph. The “delicious breath of rain” is both an olfactory and gustatory image evoking the smell or “taste” of rain in the air. The “countless sparrows” twittering is an auditory image, and the “patches of blue sky” showing through the clouds are visual. All of these examples of imagery suggest a moment of positive change that seems at odds with the news Louise has just received.

Comparing Louise's grief to a storm emphasizes the enormous anguish she is expressing. In this metaphor, the tears she is crying correlate to the rain of a storm; that is, they are fierce, intense tears that illustrate Louise's "wild abandonment." Also, these stormy tears should be understood, somewhat paradoxically, in relation to the optimistic springtime images that follow in the next paragraph: her tears are the rains that usher in a sunnier season.

Chopin contrasts Louise Mallard with how other women would be expected to react to such news: shock, paralysis, and an inability to comprehend events. However, Louise is not paralyzed by the news; she understands it immediately. Her ability to accept her husband’s death foreshadows her eventual reaction to the news, her true feelings about it, which she may not even understand at this point.

The choice of words, such as “veiled hints" and "half concealing," contribute to an evasive, cautious tone. Additionally, readers are not told anything about Louise’s thoughts, only those of the characters around her. The evasiveness and caution in the language are a result of these characters’ worrying about Louise, creating a subdued, yet anticipatory, tone as they share the news of Louise's husband's death and consider her reaction.

Kate Chopin introduces Louise Mallard as a woman with a health condition whom others need to deal carefully with. The others worry that the news of Louise’s husband’s death could threaten her own life if not delivered gently. This initial portrayal characterizes Louise as delicate and needing careful attention.

please wait...

Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” Criticism Essay

To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
As a template for you assignment

Generally, literary experts – namely, authors, poets, and playwrights – create fictional works that reflect the regimes they live in. In other words, most literary fictional works reflect the prevailing socioeconomic and political realities of their creators. Similarly, literary experts may develop fictional works that reflect their personal experiences. Through their works, literary experts thus explore various aspects of their life experiences. By examining the events going on at the time of creating their works, literary experts satisfy the rules of historicism. In addition, literary experts reflect their personal experiences through their works. In other words, historicism has to do with how literary works reflect the reality of the time period in which they are created. Historicism is reflected in Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour narrative. To expound, this tale reflects certain aspects of the author’s life experiences. By making the concept of death a central feature in the narrative, Chopin reflects the various deaths that characterized her life. The narrative is about a certain lady’s perplexing response after receiving news of the sudden demise of her husband. The woman’s response indicates an inclination towards feminism. This idea is evident through the woman’s defiant stance towards her husband’s demise. It is as if the lady defies social conventions about female subordination. Toward the close of the 19 th century (1894), when the narrative was authored, the concept of feminism was emerging. This development could have inspired Chopin’s portrayal of the lady. In addition, Chopin mostly grew up in a female-dominated society, hence her inclination to advocate for female empowerment (Jacobus 63). The author was mostly mentored by female characters, an experience that could have inspired her to value female supremacy as is evident in the narrative. All in all, it is clear that Chopin’s The Story of an Hour narrative depicts historicism since it dwells on death as it gravitates towards female empowerment, aspects that were real in the author’s personal life as well as in the society at the time the tale was written.

To illustrate, The Story of an Hour narrative is based on the supposed death of Brentley Mallard – the husband to Louise Mallard – thus reflecting a number of real life deaths that characterized Chopin’s life. In 1855, when the author was just 5 years old, her father died in a rail accident. This death was significant to Chopin. The death is reflected in the narrative through Brentley’s sudden death. Just like Louise – Brentley’s wife – is suddenly made a widow in the narrative, Chopin was made an orphan by her father’s death. Later, death stalked Chopin by claiming her great grandmother to which the great granddaughter had become very close (Toth 22). This real life death is reflected in The Story of an Hour narrative through Brentley’s death that somehow brings grief to Louise – the widow. Afterwards, Chopin felt the sting of death when her half-brother succumbed to typhoid fever. In the tale, Brentley’s death represents the demise of Chopin’s half-brother. Another death, arguably the most devastating, denied Chopin the company of Oscar Chopin – the author’s husband – when Oscar succumbed to malaria in 1882. This demise, which made Chopin a widow at a young age of thirty-two years, marked the turning point of the author’s life as it left her with the responsibility of taking care of the couple’s six children – one daughter and 5 sons (Toth 65). In The Story of an Hour narrative, Louise feels a similar loss after Brentley dies. The foregoing discourse proves that Chopin’s life was characterized by a number of deaths which claimed some of her closest relatives. It can thus be plausibly argued that the concept of death was very real to the author. This idea could explain why Chopin chose to base The Story of an Hour narrative on the supposed demise of Brentley. The horror of losing a close associate thus comes into play through the tale. Such a phenomenon validates the argument that Chopin’s tale has a historical leaning.

In addition, at the time Chopin was writing The Story of an Hour narrative, a wave of feminism was sweeping across the American social and economic landscape. The influence of this historical time period on the author’s ideas and general world view is clearly evident through the characterization of Louise – a woman who has supposedly lost her husband through death. To illustrate, after Louise learns about Brentley’s supposed death, the lady does not seem to view this as a sad or negative event. Instead of descending into a state of weeping, she goes upstairs, sits herself into a comfortable chair, and enters into a reverie of the wonderful time before her. Chopin makes readers to gain access to Louise’s thoughts which indicate that the wife has been suffering under her husband’s dominion. This phenomenon paints a picture of a patriarchal society that seriously subjugates women. For example, Louise is happy that she will be able to live a life of her own. Further, the supposedly widowed lady thinks that marriage should not make mates captives of each other. Instead, she is of the idea that marriage couples should have space to exercise their respective discrete freedoms. Such thoughts demonstrate that Louise eagerly wants to free herself from the yoke imposed on her by the patriarchal social arrangement (Kahle 12). Clearly, the supposed widow’s ideas resonate with the late 19 th century feminist movement that sought to emancipate women. This idea thus proves that Chopin was heavily influenced by the socioeconomic and political developments prevalent in her era as she wrote The Story of an Hour narrative.

Further, the feminist influences that were prevalent during Chopin’s formative years are explicitly depicted through The Story of an Hour narrative. To expound, most of the author’s mentors were women. These ladies – including Chopin’s great grandmother, grandmother, and mother – were thus cardinal reference points for Chopin’s entire life. Further, the author later enrolled at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Saint Louis where all tutors were ladies (Toth 54). The student’s interaction with her female teachers thus made her to develop an inclination towards female empowerment. Considering that these were Chopin’s formative years, the various female mentors had a profound influence on her life. This idea is vindicated through the author’s characterization of Louise in The Story of an Hour narrative. To illustrate, Louise is a lady who espouses the idea that women can successfully exist without men. The character’s actions and utterances authenticate this contention. It is vital to note that following the alleged death of Brentley, Louise feels as though she has experienced a rebirth. She is of the idea that Brentley’s demise has permitted her access to the elixir of life. Through such musings, Louise demonstrates her feminist convictions; she thinks she can enjoy a life of better quality after Brentley’s demise (Bendixen and Nagel 206). The fact that Louise is not fidgety or agitated also indicates her pessimism; she thinks that her life will be excellent. These are ideas that Chopin derived from the prevailing feminist ideologies of her time. The influence of historical influences on Chopin’s The Story of an Hour narrative is thus clearly evident.

In summary, through her The Story of an Hour narrative, Chopin proves that she was influenced by her life experiences as well as historical events such as the late 19 th century feminist movement. To illustrate, the narrative revolves around the death of Brentley, thus reflecting the many deaths that characterized Chopin’s life. While aged 5 years, Chopin lost her father. Afterwards, the author went through the deaths of her great grandmother, her half-brother, as well as her husband. Further, the author indicates that Louise is a woman who ardently desires to break free from male domination. Consequently, Louise celebrates Brentley’s death. The supposedly widowed lady depicts behaviors that clearly belie the seriousness of the incident. This view is representative of the feminist wave that was prevalent at the time Chopin authored the narrative. In addition, the female influences of the author during her formative years are evident through the dispositions of Louise. The allegedly widowed lady does not significantly flinch after receiving news of her husband’s demise. This idea is reflective of the fact that most of Chopin’s mentors were women. The author thus holds that women can successfully live without men. The influence of historical happenings on the authors’ life is thus clearly evident through The Story of an Hour tale.

Works Cited

Bendixen, Alfred and Nagel, James. A Companion to the American Short Story . Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 2010. Print.

Jacobus, Lee Alfred. Literature . Toronto, Canada: Pearson Education Canada, 1996. Print.

Kahle, Antje. First Wave of Feminism in Politics and Literature . Munich, Germany: GRIN Verlag, 2010. Print.

Toth, Emily. Unveiling Kate Chopin . Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi, 1999. Print.

“Three Men in a Room” by Seymour Lachman
Steinbeck’s "Of Mice and Men"
“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: The Main Goals and Themes
The Feminist Impact of "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin
"The Future Shock" by Alvin Toffler
“Being There” by Jerzy Kosinski
Analysis on Lynda Barry’s “One! Hundred! Demons!”
Violence Causes in the "Tell-Tale Heart" by Poe
A Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, January 6). Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour” Criticism. https://ivypanda.com/essays/kate-chopins-the-story-of-an-hour-criticism/

"Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour” Criticism." IvyPanda , 6 Jan. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/kate-chopins-the-story-of-an-hour-criticism/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour” Criticism'. 6 January.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour” Criticism." January 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/kate-chopins-the-story-of-an-hour-criticism/.

1. IvyPanda . "Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour” Criticism." January 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/kate-chopins-the-story-of-an-hour-criticism/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour” Criticism." January 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/kate-chopins-the-story-of-an-hour-criticism/.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Story of An Hour — Analysis of “The Story of an Hour”

Analysis of "The Story of an Hour"

Categories: The Story of An Hour

About this sample

Words: 523 |

Published: Aug 1, 2024

Words: 523 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 824 words

2 pages / 1203 words

1 pages / 541 words

3 pages / 1428 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on The Story of An Hour

Kate Chopin's short story "The Story of an Hour" revolves around the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard, and her emotional journey following the news of her husband's death. Throughout the story, emotions play a crucial role in shaping [...]

First published in 1894, Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" is a short but powerful story that explores the complex emotions of a woman who learns of her husband's death. The narrative delves into the theme of female [...]

The Story of an Hour is a renowned short story written by Kate Chopin in 1894. This piece of literature was controversial for its time as it portrayed a female protagonist who felt relieved after her husband's death. The ironic [...]

Situational irony refers to a literary device where the outcome of a situation is different from what was expected or intended, often resulting in a reversal of expectations for the characters and readers. This aspect of irony [...]

This report demonstrates the analysis of the story The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin. Focusing on what the prominent themes imply, and how are they relevant to the story. This ironically tragic yet powerful short story was [...]

Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” and Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” explore ideas of female identity and selfhood, and more importantly, female liberation. These authors present their female characters as [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

COMMENTS

"The Story of an Hour" by Chopin: Reading Response
Exclusively available on IvyPanda®. "The Story of an Hour" leaves a strange feeling based on misunderstanding and a lasting impression of what happens at the end. Indeed, Louise's untimely death came as a surprise to me. However, throughout the story, the author seems to be preparing the reader for this conclusion.
Reader Response to "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin Free Essay
In the short story by Kate Chopin, " The Story of an Hour ", she suggests that in the case of Louise Mallard and her husband, true love was not the deciding factor for their marriage. When Louise was given the news that her husband died in a train wreck, rather than feeling heartbroken over his death, she was relieved because it brought her ...
Reader Response Essay on 'The Story of an Hour'
1. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. Cite this essay. Download. "The Story of an Hour" is a very famous short story by Kate Chopin, published in 1894. This story is one of the earliest pieces of feminist writing in American ...
The Story of an Hour Critical Analysis Essay
The Story of an Hour was written by Kate Chopin in 1984. It describes a woman, Mrs. Mallard, who lost her husband in an accident, but later the truth came out, and the husband was alive. This essay will discuss The Story of an Hour with emphasis on the plot and development of the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard, who goes through contrasting emotions ...
Analysis of Kate Chopin's The Story of an Hour
Originally entitled "The Dream of an Hour" when it was first published in Vogue (December 1894), "The Story of an Hour" has since become one of Kate Chopin's most frequently anthologized stories. Among her shortest and most daring works, "Story" examines issues of feminism, namely, a woman's dissatisfaction in a conventional marriage and her desire…
Critical Response to The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin: [Essay
Published: Jan 28, 2021. "The Story of an Hour" or "The Dream on an Hour" is an American literature written by Kate Chopin in 1948. This story is about a woman named Louise, who endures the tragic death of her recent late husband, Brently. Louise's life turns for the worst after this incident. She feels trapped and confined within her ...
The Story of an Hour: a Critical Analysis
Kate Chopin's short story, "The Story of an Hour," is a masterpiece of American literature, recognized for its exploration of complex themes such as freedom, marriage, and societal expectations. In this critical essay, we will delve into the narrative's underlying messages, character development, and the literary devices employed to convey its ...
The Story of An Hour
Essay Prompt: Consider reading the one act play by Susan Glaspell, Trifles (1916), about a murder trial which challenges our perceptions of justice and morality. Compare it to Chopin's The Story of An Hour. Essay Prompt: Read Kate Chopin's biography (feel free to extend your research to other sources). How does her personal story reflect her ...
"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin: A Critical Analysis
Introduction: "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, first published in 1894 in the St. Louis Life magazine, was later included in the 1895 collection "Vojageur" and in the 1895 edition of "Bayou Folk". This iconic short story features a unique narrative structure, where the protagonist ...
The Novel "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin Essay
The Story of an Hour novel by Kate Chopin, recognized as a masterpiece of short fiction, reflects the complicated self-discovery mechanisms of a woman. Mrs. Mallard, a central character of the story, hears about the death of her husband who was riding on a train. However, the first reaction of grief is replaced by a strange feeling that she ...
"The Story of an Hour" Summary & Analysis
After her initial sobs of grief subside, Louise escapes into her bedroom and locks the door. She refuses to let Josephine or Richards follow her. Alone, she falls into a chair placed before an open window. Absolutely drained by her own anguish and haunted by exhaustion, she rests in the chair and looks out the window.
The Story of an Hour Essays and Criticism
PDF Cite Share. "The Story of an Hour" is built around the "expression of a woman's shockingly unorthodox feelings about her marriage''; so says Bert Bender, in an essay devoted to Chopin's short ...
Reader Response: The Story of an Hour
Chopin captures a surprising theme in this work (written in 1894), of Mrs. Mallard who meets the news of her husband's death with a luxurious hopefulness for a future filled with freedom rather than with the expected grief and pain. After hearing the news of her widowhood, Mrs. Mallard secludes herself in her bedroom where surprisingly she ...
Analysis of Style, Tone, and Language in The Story of an Hour by Kate
Kate Chopin's succeded to convey her message through her short story "The story of an Hour". The story of an hour is a short story with great and interesting flow to read. It has symbolisms and hidden meanings in the message, and may confuse some readers like what the story wants the readers to think.
"The Story of An Hour" by Kate Chopin Reader Response
"The Story of An Hour" by Kate Chopin Reader Response Characterization Mrs. Louise Mallard- feminist, frial, free-spirited, sick, independent, suffers from heart problems/desires to be truly independent, and to live the life she always wanted to live. Important Quotations/Concepts "Free, free, free!"-
The Story of an Hour: Summary and Analysis · PrepScholar
In this guide to Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," we'll discuss: A brief history of Kate Chopin and America the 1890s. "The Story of an Hour" summary. Analysis of the key story elements in "The Story of an Hour," including themes, characters, and symbols. By the end of this article, you'll have an expert grasp on Kate ...
Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
Essay, Pages 2 (363 words) Views. 1190. Kate Chopin 's "The Story of an Hour " is a short story that leaves many unanswered questions, tells the tale of a woman who is not upset about her husband's passing and describes a struggle for identity. "The Story of an Hour" reminds me of a vignette in the way that it leaves out details that that the ...
A Feminist Reading of Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour"
Kate Chopin, born on February 8th, 1850, is credited with being one of the first popular feminist authors of the 20th century. After the death of her husband, Kate moved in with her mother (who shortly died thereafter). She was left to raise her children alone and was suffering from depression. Her doctor and good friend recommended she fight ...
The Story of an Hour Full Text
The Story of an Hour. 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. It was her sister Josephine who told her, in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing. Her husband's friend Richards was there, too, near her.
Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" Criticism Essay
To illustrate, The Story of an Hour narrative is based on the supposed death of Brentley Mallard - the husband to Louise Mallard - thus reflecting a number of real life deaths that characterized Chopin's life. In 1855, when the author was just 5 years old, her father died in a rail accident. This death was significant to Chopin.
The Story of an Hour: a Feminist Interpretation
Summary of "The Story of an Hour". The story follows Louise Mallard, a woman who learns that her husband has been killed in a train accident. Initially, she reacts with shock and sadness, but as she starts processing the news, she realizes that she feels relieved and free. She spends an hour contemplating her future and her newfound ...
Analysis of "The Story of an Hour": [Essay Example], 523 words
The short story "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin is a poignant exploration of the complex emotions and desires experienced by women during the late 19th century. Through the character of Mrs. Mallard, Chopin delves into the theme of female liberation and the constraints of marriage. This essay will analyze various aspects of the story ...
PDF The Story of an Hour
Kate Chopin wrote "The Story of an Hour" on April 19, 1894. It was first published in Vogue (the same magazine that is sold today) on December 6, 1894, under the title "The Dream of an Hour." It was reprinted in St. Louis Life on January 5, 1895. You can find extensive, accurate information about Kate Chopin's stories and novels as well as ...
Donald Trump lashes out as DNC attacks throw him off message
Donald Trump isn't in Chicago but his presence hangs over everything and he is clearly following events here. Ahead of Kamala Harris's speech on Thursday, a couple of Trump aides told me, a little ...

Reader Response to “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin Rhetorical Analysis

Check related topics

Reader Response Essay on 'The Story of an Hour'

Cite this paper

Related articles

Most popular essays

Join our 150k of happy users

Literary Theory and Criticism

Analysis of Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour

Share this:

Related Articles

The Story of An Hour - Study Guide

Character Analysis & Summary

Genre & Themes

Historical Context

Discussion Questions

Useful Links

Notes/Teacher Comments

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: A Critical Analysis

Main Events in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Literary Devices in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Characterization in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Major Themes in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Writing Style in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Literary Works Similar to “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Suggested Readings about/on “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Articles on “The Story of an Hour”:

Web Resource:

Representative Quotations from “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

Related posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

The Story of an Hour

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

pryseonpoetry

Reader Response: The Story of an Hour

Share this:

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Choose Your Test

The Story of an Hour: Summary and Analysis

“The Story of an Hour” Summary

The History of Kate Chopin and the 1890s

A Short Biography of Kate Chopin

American Life in the 1890s

“The Story of an Hour” Analysis

“The Story of an Hour” Themes

Freedom and Repression

"The Story of an Hour" Characters

Louise Mallard

The Doctor(s)

“The Story of an Hour” Symbolism and Motifs

The House and the Outdoors

Joy and Sorrow

Key Takeaways: Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour”

What’s Next?

Trending Now

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Ask a Question Below

Short Response on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

The Story of an Hour

Line Spacing

Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” Criticism Essay

Works Cited

Analysis of "The Story of an Hour"

Cite this Essay

Related Essays

Still can’t find what you need?

Related Essays on The Story of An Hour

Related Topics

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

COMMENTS