LITERARY ANALYSIS

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The Story of an Hour
Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour tells the story of a repressed woman who is delighted with the idea of being free after hearing the news of her spouse’s death. The story which takes place in a short span tackles several leitmotifs around the construct of marriage and the need of a woman’s independence in this period. The central theme revolves around the key character, Louise, which is the joy of liberation or freedom from the traditional norms of marriage. The theme is very resonant in the story as the reader experiences the transition of Mrs. Mallard’s reactions towards the passing of her spouse. She experiences an internal conflict of emotions that range from grief upon hearing the news to creeping joy that fills her as she realizes the newfound independence. Chopin utilizes literary realism and naturalism to depict the story according to the realities of this conservative period. She depicts the reality of a male-dominated culture through Mrs. Mallard surviving in this society where a woman is subservient to their partner and marriage. Chopin illustrates a woman’s desire and vision to have individuality and freedom in a society and time where this was considered unorthodox. The theme of The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin is the joy of freedom and liberation away from the restrictions of marriage or marital responsibilities.
Mrs. Mallard’s reaction towards the news of her spouse’s demise shows a sense of joy and happiness as she envisions a life of freedom and independence.

“She said it over and over…free, free, free!” (Chopin 757). Before the death of her companion, she viewed her life as not worth living for as it was dull and repressive. Upon the realization of the news, Mrs. Mallard undergoes different emotions which leads her from grief to a sense of happiness and joy. She tries to hold back the delight and joy she is feeling from the situation as such pleasure is forbidden but later just lets it go and utters out loud. She feels it’s crucial for her to be free and have the individuality to lead a happy life. The passing of Mr. Mallard is a getaway to live her life for herself as she envisioned it, making her thrilled of the upcoming years.
Mrs. Mallard’s visualization of the forthcoming years by herself depicts an independent life as more fulfilling than her life now. “She saw…a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely” (Chopin 757). She has had a deep longing for self-assertion and liberation and a barrier exists between the real world and her inner imagination of the world. She sees her current life as gloomy and uncertain but the newfound self-assertion gives her certainty that the coming years will be gratifying. She seeks to create her own status and role against the societal barriers and freeing herself from the limitations of marriage.
Mrs. Mallard views the death of Brently as an opportunity to be free from the burden of marriage and marital responsibilities. “…no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself” CITATION Kat00 p 757 l 1033 (Chopin 757). While Brently is alive she has to live for her husband and only in his death can her life be her own once again. Chopin depicts how marriage is not often what it seems to be and women in the period seek liberation from it. Mrs. Mallard expresses marriage as an oppressive institution even though she does not specify how she suggests it suppresses both spouses. She views it as an institution that deprives individuals of their independence and freedom. On Brently’s arrival, she realizes her fantasies and freedom have been shattered and her weak heart gives in causing her death which is misconstrued as the joy of his return.
Chopin depicts the theme of the joy of freedom and independence through Louise Mallard realization that she is free from the marital constraints. The story illustrates the nature of marriage in this period and how women felt its repressive restrictions that did not allow for female independence. Mrs. Mallard is depicted as not being happy or fulfilled in the institution of marriage and any situation that would allow for freedom, in this case, his husband’s death, would change that. Her joyful reaction to the situation does not reflect any malice or hate but the outcome of the situation which is independence and liberation. Chopin intends to depict that marriage limits the self-actualization of a woman’s desires and hence the need for female individuality. Through Mrs. Mallard, Chopin successfully illustrates the joy that comes from independence and self-determination especially at the time.
Work Cited
BIBLIOGRAPHY Chopin, Kate. “A Story of an Hour.” The Library of America. Kate Chopin: Complete Novels & Stories. The Library of America, 2000. 756-758. Web.