Paper Topic:

The Story Of An Hour

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Response to `Story of an Hour

Many readers of Kate Chopin 's short essay , The Story of an Hour ' are left in wonder with the ending line of the story . Critics and scholars over the years have pondered the meaning of the ending and attempted to figure out the cause of Mrs . Mallard 's sudden death

Some things are evident , however , through the text . For example , the reader is safe to assume that Mrs . Mallard was not happy in her marriage , even though

her husband had never looked save with love upon her (11 . Mrs . Mallard 's views on marriage are noted when she is processing the fact that her husband has died , 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 (11 . This quote not only clues the reader in to the kind of marriage that Mrs . Mallard may have had - one that was controlled by her husband , but also gives hint to Chopin 's view on marriage as an institution controlled mostly by the male or as an institution where one loses one 's identity

The fact that Mrs . Mallard doesn 't even have a first name mentioned until after her husband 's death also supports this claim . In the beginning of the essay , Mrs . Mallard is referred to as just that , Mrs Mallard , or she . It is only when her sister calls out to her when she is enjoying her freedom that her name is used , Louise , open the door (12 . This point is even further supported by the fact that this is the only time that Louise Mallard is referred to by her name When her husband shows up at home , Richards tries to shield Mallard 's view of his wife (12 . Once Brently Mallard is introduced back into the formula , she once again becomes his wife , losing her identity once more

So could this be what kills Louise Mallard ? The devastation of no longer being free ? Is it the pure shock of the whole situation ? Was it too much to lose and regain a loved one in a matter of hours ? All of these questions are possible explanations for Louise 's sudden heart attack and death . I believe that the devastation of losing her freedom once again was enough to kill her

Mrs . Mallard 's physical is given as young , with a fair calm face , whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength (11 . When she thinks of her husband , she reflects that she had loved him - sometimes . Often she had not (12 ) which leads the reader to assume that Louise was not happy at all in her loveless marriage and that the thought of being freed from it in a dignified , guilt free manner was a beautiful thing for her

Chopin uses imagery of new life and beginnings as she develops the moments before Louise...

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