Question

Consider the character of Louise Mallard. What transformation does she undergo in the story? Does her character develop primarily through external dialogue, internal thoughts, or actions?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Louise Mallard is the main character in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour." Even though the duration of what happens to Mrs. Mallard is really only of an hour, she undergoes great change.

When the short story begins, Mrs. Mallard is but a subservient wife who happens to have a heart condition. Hence, a friend and her sister are extremely cautious when telling her about her husband's death. Just like what is expected of her, Mrs. Mallard is sad. She goes upstairs to cry alone, and locks herself up in her room.

However, once she sits by the open window, her transformation begins. Notice that this is developed primarily through internal thoughts. Readers have access to what Mrs. Mallard is thinking and feeling, and can for that reason keep up with her change. She suddenly notices that world hasn't stopped turning, that others haven't stopped living, because of her husband's death. By looking outside, she realizes that there is a whole world out there, full of excitement and experiences for her to live. She feels free for the first time in her life. She no longer needs to worry about explaining herself or asking for permission.

In a matter of an hour, Mrs. Mallard goes from submissive wife to independent woman. Her perception of life is altered by the sudden feeling of freedom. When she comes back downstairs, she is a completely different woman. Unfortunately, she also dies upon coming downstairs. The shock of seeing her husband alive is too much for her sick heart to bear.