Literary Analysis of The Story of an Hour Essay Example

own emancipation.

In the words of Chopin, the phrase "free, free, free!" repeated under her breath shows the intense excitement Louise feels towards her newfound freedom. Additionally, Louise expresses uncertainty when imagining the years to come living alone, yet finds happiness in the idea of being unbound by others and living solely for herself. The author portrays Louise as a character who has been trapped in a long-term marriage without attempting to break free.

According to Chopin's quote, "And yet she had loved him--sometimes. Often she had not.", it is evident that the woman has been in a marriage lacking love for her spouse. While there may have been moments of love, they were outweighed by feelings of apathy. Reflecting on her time with her husband, she now experiences happiness knowing she will soon be free. This event has awakened her inner self, which had been hidden within, waiting for someone to set it free.

Although she may not have been aware of it, the death of her husband is doing what she has been desiring. She embraces the idea of living alone and feels a sudden inner illumination. Louise exclaims with excitement about the prospect of being free and living joyously on her own. Despite others considering it a tragedy, she appears to relish this unexpected turn of events.

While being pestered about her health, Louise reassures Josephine by stating that she is well and has no reason to be unwell. In fact, she finds the fresh air to be refreshing and comforting, which fills her with happiness and contentment. This prompts her to reflect on the future days of freedom that await her. She recalls

how miserable she was during her marriage, and the prospect of a long life filled her with dread.

As she chants a small prayer, her thoughts drift towards the lovely days she has experienced amidst the changing seasons of nature, wishing for a longer life. This indicates a shift in her perception of life, as she previously despised her mundane existence before the incident. As she exits the room, there is a sense of victorious confidence in her demeanor, resembling a goddess of triumph as described by Chopin.

Louise is now enlightened and triumphant after overcoming her life's struggles. This reflects her previous dissatisfaction with how she had been living, which the event allowed her to rectify. After considering all factors, it can be concluded that Louise did not die from sheer joy. She is satisfied with living for herself without obligations or a husband. Although surprised to see him alive, this is not a positive shock for Louise.

Despite having prepared for a peaceful and liberated life, she was not expecting him to be alive. Upon discovering that she must return to a life of obligation and concession, her heart shatters with agony and she passes away. The author employs a cynical tone with the phrase "joy that kills" at the conclusion of the narrative. While the doctor and those around him assume Louise died from an intense feeling of happiness, the true cause of her death remains buried within her heart.