Story Of An Hour Critical Analysis

The Story of An Hour is an emotional rollercoaster that portrays social sanctions, struggles of women in the late 1800’s, and even death. During the 18th century women had very little education. Schooling and work was left to the men; any intention of a woman attending school or earning an income was looked down upon. Such restraints forced women to take care of the house, children, and any religious obligations while men were absent working to provide for the household. Kate Chopin’s thesis is throughout the late 18 hundreds women were stuck in controlling and emotionally detached relationships.

Chopin, without a doubt, does an impressive job sneaking a lot of clues and verbs into this story to hint at a woman with a shattered core. Mrs. Mallard

Mallard. Unfortunately this was short-lived as Mrs. Mallard and her sister regressed down the stairs only to find her husband alive at the door. Mrs. Mallard died on the spot from a “heart disease”.

The first hint to neglect that sticks out in this story is the initial reaction Mrs. Mallard had when she heard the news of Brently’s fatal railroad death. She absolutely had no idea how to react to it, so a fake loud weep was the only logical response in her head. The “concerned” or “heart-broken” wife would not have registered death as an acceptable answer. Extreme pain and agony should have been visible or communicated but it was not. This sends a message to the audience that her marriage had problems and the love between the two was little to non. Following this non-realistic response to her husband’s death, Mrs. Mallard exits the room immediately to escape the awkward

The old fashion ways of life were changing. By Chopin hinting at Mrs. Mallard’s inner strength at this time it’s clear she wanted more out of life. Women wanted power and didn’t want to feel like a slave to their man anymore. Finally her handcuffs vanish for the first time ever, thoughts of a better life immediately fill her head as a result.

The 1800’s were a very challenging and demeaning time for women. I found part of an article that directly ties into the control that men had over their wife:

The 1800’s was a time when most women were dominated by men. Women were relegated to their duties at home and raising their families. Wives were the property of their husbands; and some were subjected to horrific treatment without any reprimand from the law. Women could not make any financial decisions, they couldn’t own property and they could not vote. (Plaza, para 1)

Such limitations and house responsibilities often forced women to rebel. This quote takes controlling to a whole new level, women were property, and that is plain wrong. The deep feelings of loneliness and detachment from the outside world must have been a lot for Mrs. Mallard to handle. Children was one of few aspects of life women could control during these days and since non were mentioned in the story I assume non were present. Once again aiding in her pain and