Question

Read "The Story of an Hour." This story met with significant indifference or hostility when Kate Chopin wrote it in 1894. As you read, keep track of your responses to the central character (the protagonist) Mrs. Mallard, Write these responses in a substantial paragraph or two (250 words or more). You may consider any of the following questions which help you think about how you respond to the emotions she expresses concerning the news of her husband's death. Why did she feel this way?

Answer 1

Answer and explanation:

Note: I'm writing according to my responses while I read the story. Feel free to change anything to make it true for yourself.

Unlike readers at the time when the story was published, I've found it amusing and intelligent. At first, I assumed Mrs. Mallard would be another simple, shallow, tragic character. Her reaction after hearing of her husband's presumed death seemed quite normal, since she looked devastated. For an instant I thought she would die from her heart condition even though her sister and friend were careful while giving her the news. However, to my delight and surprise, Mrs. Mallard finds enlightenment at that sad moment. Her house and her husband have meant confinement for her. She has been obedient, submissive, impotent her whole life. As she locked her bedroom door, I thought she wouldn't know what to do without Mr. Mallard. But she looked out the window, saw the beautiful world that did not stop existing due to her husband's death, and realized she was finally free. The story suddenly got a thousand times more interesting. This woman, this seemingly shallow character, is actually deep and colorful. She has a will to live that had been buried. Now that the main symbol of her oppression as a woman is gone, she is at liberty to feel, think, and do as she pleases. It was comically tragic when she indeed died of her heart condition upon finding out her husband was alive. I hoped the story would end with Mrs. Mallard leaving the house and heading towards her new life. Still, the irony of the situation is amusing. Other characters assumed she died of happiness when we, the readers, know she died of disappointment.