THE STORY OF AN HOUR - KATE CHOPIN Flashcards
introduction
plot:
what themes are present:
complicated reaction of Louise Mallard upon learning of her husbands death.
feminism and irony
“in broken sentences;veiled hints that revealed half concealing”
shows how Richards and Josephine believe that they must break the death of Brently Mallards death to Luis Mallards as gently as possible
“open window” through which she sees the “open square” in front of her house.
symbolically indicating freedom
The repetition of the word “open” emphasizes possibility and a lack of restric!ons.
The trees are “all aquiver with the new spring of life,” the “delicious breath of rain” is in the air, sparrows are twittering, and Louise can hear someone singing a song in the distance. She can see “patches of blue sky” amid the clouds.
the scene is full of energy and hope
“It was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought.”
indicates that she is enjoying her husband’s death whithout realizing it.
“fearfully.” and “to beat it back with her will.”
suggests that she is resisting the impending awareness
Brently’s “kind, tender hands” and “the face that had never looked save with love upon her,”
suggests that the story has multiple themes embedded into it and that she seem to be happy with the death of her husband.whilst she is not.she recognizes that she has not finished weeping for him.
she utters the word “free” over and over again, relishing it and She looks forward to “years to come that would belong to her absolutely.”
she allows herself to recognize her approaching freedom
“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 will upon a fellow-creature.”
It’s not so much about getting rid of her husband as it is about being entirely in charge of her own life, “body and soul.”
the phrase “men and women” suggests that she is not trying to point out to one gender but rather attempt to say that relationships can be uncomfortable on both sides.
He is “a little travel-stained, composedly carrying his grip-sack and umbrella.”
His mundane appearance contrasts greatly with Louise’s “feverish triumph” and her walking down the stairs like a “goddess of Victory.”
“died of heart disease – of joy that kills,”
irony.It seems clear that her shock was not joy over her husband’s survival, but rather distress over losing her cherished, newfound freedom
