One is left wondering whether Louis Mallard's awakening in Kate Chopin's The Story of An Hour was spiritual or physical, as it is presented as a thought-provoking work.
Many critics have a tendency to take a side and stand firmly by it, but readers must acknowledge that the truth lies somewhere in between. In his literary essay "Chopin's The Story of an Hour," Daniel P. Deneau highlights this combination of perspectives.
Suggests potential interpretations of the narrative, highlighting various illustrations throughout the text that demonstrate the religious and physical nature of Louis Mallard's awakening. Deneau raises the question of whether Louise is a "normal, understandable, sympathetic female" or if she is an "egotistical, selfish monster." Despite the inherently wicked and diabolical act of observing her husband's death, the way in which she does so engenders sympathy for her character.
...Deneau posits that Louise's emotions are influenced by a religious force. He also suggests that if Louise had immediately gone through a rapid logical process, leading to a celebration of her freedom after learning of her husband's death, she might have appeared cold and unsympathetic. Chopin portrays Mrs. Mallard as a sympathetic woman by depicting her awakening as forced and uncontrollable.
Deneau discusses the idea that this awakening can be compared to a rape. It is mentioned that Mrs. Mallard attempted to resist it forcefully. This sexual experience initially appears to be a frightening rape but gradually transforms into something seductively exciting and relaxing, and...
Class is spiritually lighting to Louise Mallard, who feels a physical alteration. Her pulses race and her coursing blood warms and relaxes her entire organic structure. All of this is part of the physical alteration that
occurs within her and is reminiscent of a sexual scene.
Deneau also mentions that the term "possess" can mean "to have sexual intercourse with a woman." Kate Chopin was aware of this dual meaning when she used it in Story of an Hour, saying, "She was starting to recognize this feeling that was coming to possess her."
"We are aware of this because she utilized this meaning of the term in another one of her works titled The Storm. Kate Chopin's Story of an Hour is not only about fear, power, and sexuality; it is also about anticipation."
In his analysis, Deneau examines several excerpts from Chopin's text to clarify the portrayal of Louise Mallard as an innocent bystander overwhelmed by a spirit that is not her own. He asserts that Chopin is not depicting a heartless widow, but rather the spiritual and physical force that takes control of her.
The person awakens and ultimately causes the death of another person.
Plants Referenced
- Chopin. Kate. The Complete Works of Kate Chopin. Ed. Per Seyersted. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP. 1969.
- Deneau. Daniel P.
The text is titled "Chopin’s ‘The Story of an Hour.’" and it appeared in the Explicator journal in the summer of 2003. It has been reprinted.The text "in Short Story Criticism. Vol. 110. Detroit: Gale. 2008." is located within a paragraph tag.
Literature Resource Center. Web. 16 Apr. 2010.
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