The Story of an Hour

Lianna Bloom

October 15, 2017

AP Literature A2

Theme Essay

The Story of an Hour

The Story of an Hour, by Kate Chopin illustrates the story of a woman who recently found out her husband had died, leading her to feel a sense of relief and joy. After hearing the tragic new about her husband from her sister, Mrs. Mallard goes into her room to think and reflect on what had just happened. Throughout the story, Mrs. Mallard begins to feel elated about her newfound freedom as well as sorrow for she had loved her husband very much.

As Mrs. Mallard takes in the unexpected news of her husband dying in a train accident, she ponders on the thought of having an independent life of her own and having the freedom to do as she pleases. The story is set in the late nineteenth century, which shows that women having rights and thoughts of their own have not yet been accepted. So, it is evident that the Brently Mallard was the man of the house. He set the rules. He told his wife what to do. However, Mrs. Mallard wants more in her life than following orders from a man. For example, " She said it over and over under her breath: “Free, free, free!” The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it when from her eyes.” In this quote, it is clear that Mrs. Mallard was excited, not terrified, to be free from her husband and his rules.

This leads the story to its overriding idea of freedom. Even though Mrs. Mallard loved her husband, she knew that her independence was more important than grieving over Mr. Mallard. For example, “But she was beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome.”  She was not a cruel and hateful person for feeling excited about her independence. Of course Mrs. Mallard was sad and distraught over her husband’s death because he was a kind and loving man to her. She just realized that even with all the love he gave, it was not enough for her. This idea is important because no woman should ever feel like they can not do anything because of a man. Mr. And Mrs. Mallard are both different people with different wants and desires. She should not have to conform to what society thinks or what her husband says. This story is all about doing things for yourself and not letting people control you.

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