Irony in Chopin's 'The Story of an Hour'

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The narrative, “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin takes the reader on an unexpected journey of emotions through the last sixty minutes of Mrs. Mallard’s life. In the beginning, Mrs. Mallard receives the news of her husband’s death in a working accident on the railroad. Thus, as she processes the news that would be assumed rather mournful, Mrs. Mallard becomes overcome with joy. Mrs. Mallard gathers alone in her room, but not to mourn. Although, only minutes pass the ending approaches with a twisted finish. The husband appears at the door alive and now stand before her. As a matter of fact, turns out he was nowhere near the accident. Almost in result of this situation, Mrs. Mallard dies of a heart attack. In other words, examples of irony can be found all throughout the narrative, “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin. Irony is a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result. Moreover, …show more content…

Mallard’s feelings in her last sixty minutes. Firstly, her loved ones prepared to deliver mournful news to Mrs. Mallard. But, unlike most wives might have reacted, Mrs. Mallard found a bright light in the gloomy news. Although she found anxiousness, and what it is like to be “Free, free, free” (65) with her husband’s absence, his return brings her death. Secondly, Mrs. Mallard ponders out her window thinking just the opposite of what is expected of her. She awaits “summer days” (66) and “all sorts of days that would be her own.” (66). But, unfortunately Mrs. Mallard’s new life is cut short with the husband’s return. Ironically, a sudden heart attack is what killed Mrs. Mallard. Lastly, although Mrs. Mallard was living dead with her husband, in effect his absence gave her life. Chopin exceled at creating the unexpected tone for the reader. These are just a few central ironies in “The Story of an Hour” by Kate

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