A Comparison Of The Story Of An Hour Essay Example

Mallard’s happiness in the midst of grieving shows that she is alienated from society. Consequently, she does not join others in mourning her husband. Instead, she finds solace in his death. Similarly, Mr. Mitty’s ability to enjoy his fantasies suggests that he was escaping a life that he did not enjoy. For instance, she orders him to “Remember to bring those overshoes while I’m having my hair done” (Thurber 120). His wife orders him around like a child while the traffic cop and parking attendant yells at him. In this regard, the two stories portray characters seeking to escape the reality of their lives. Mrs. Mallard finds consolation in the knowledge that her husband will no longer be there to oppress her. On his part, Mr. Mitty finds comfort in pretending to be someone else, usually playing the role of addmirable characters such as a doctor, a pilot and a soldier. Therefore, both texts explore the theme of fantasy as a means of escaping from the harsh realities of life.

Another point of connection between the two stories is the short-lived nature of the characters happiness. Mrs. Mallard’s happiness is cut short when her husband walks in through the door, very alive, very real. She is brutally awakened to the reality that she’ll continue to live under his domination. As a result of her resentment of this prospect, she collapses and dies of what the doctors call “the joy that kill” (Chopin 425). Likewise, Mr. Mitty’s fantasies are repeatedly interrupted by his wife and the policeman. As a result, both characters fail to get a permanent escape from their situations.

Nevertheless, the two texts differ in

how they treat the characters’ fate. Mrs. Mallard is destroyed by her inability to face reality while, Mr. Mitty survives by shifting from one fantasy to another. However, the ending of the story where he faces a firing squad suggests that he too will not survive. This possibility suggests that alienation is a destructive infection of the mind and soul that robs individuals of the will to live.