The Story of an Hour: A Literary Analysis Essay Example

events and scenarios, such as the cause of Mrs. Mallard's heart attack, making it intriguing enough to catch their attention.

Upon reading the story, questions arise about Mrs. Mallard's repressed thoughts and emotions regarding her role as a wife and whether this repression was innate. Additionally, the details about Mrs. Mallard's husband and how he exerts his authority as the head of the household are vague. The reader may wonder how Mrs. Mallard is repressed as a wife and why she feels compelled to bend to her husband's will. The husband is only described upon his return from a long trip.

According to Chopin, the man appeared travel-worn and calm as he carried his luggage and umbrella. Mrs. Mallard's heart attack symbolizes her vulnerability and loss of strength from suppressing her desires and sacrificing for her husband. This incident can be seen as a manifestation of repressed emotions within Mrs. Mallard.

Mrs. Mallard utilized her weakness to manage her inner turmoil, which played a crucial role in the story, defining her as a spouse devoid of independence.

After her heart attack, Mrs. Mallard's frailty led readers to envision a scenario wherein she was confined to a home, unable to act autonomously and perpetually catering to her husband’s whims. This role, traditionally considered appropriate for a wife, birthed a covert persona within her, one that yearned for liberation. Though she experienced exhilaration at the prospect of newfound freedom—that too despite the loss of her spouse—ultimately, her intense longing for autonomy proved to be her undoing.

Kate Chopin's short story conveyed a feminist theme by challenging the misguided notion that wives must submit to their husbands. Mrs. Mallard's death is

warranted, as she discovers happiness in newfound freedom and no longer is bound to her husband. The story highlights the detrimental effects of this belief, which diminish women's autonomy, causing them to sacrifice their individuality and bend to their husband's will.

Although women can lead a domestic lifestyle, they should not be restricted to living in the shadow of a man. Kate Chopin conveyed a message that women, even as wives, should prioritize their own desires and aspirations.