The Story of An Hour Questions – Flashcards
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Who is the protagonist or main character? How would you characterize her?
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Mrs. Mallard; malcontent; entrapped; hopeful
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What is her conflict?
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Her husband supposedly died and she is ambivalent of her emotions; she should be sad but feels content that he is dead because she can be free and independent.
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Why does she feel malcontent in her marriage?
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She feels entrapped and unloved.
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When Mrs. Mallard looks out of the window, what does the window symbolize (represent)?
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Through the window she sees the freedom that she longs to have so it represents her independence.
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What ailment (illness) is Mrs. Mallard afflicted with?
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She has heart trouble.
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How does this heart trouble affect her at the resolution of the story?
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She dies of heart disease specifically of a broken-heart.
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Why does the protagonist die of a broken heart?
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She was shocked to learn that her husband was alive and this meant that the freedom and independence she foresaw would never occur.
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How is the resolution an example of irony (when the unexpected occurs)?
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Mrs. Mallard dies of a broken heart because her husband is actually alive. She should be happy that he is alive but instead she was saddened and shocked that her life would be hopeless once again.
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What is the theme or the message of the story?
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Do something about your unhappiness before it is too late; Don't let anyone control or define you.
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What is the central idea of "The Story of An Hour"?
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The main idea i
