Irony definition Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning. Part One Louise’s reaction and behavior following the reception of the news of her husband’s death in the short story, Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, is ironic. The story points out that Louise’s initial reaction to the news contrast that which is expected by most women. The text states, “she did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms.” Chopin already begins to show that Louise is not taking the death of her husband in the way that is expected of women in that time period. Louise continues to show that her behavior is atypical of similarly situated women as the story …show more content…
In the time period at which Louise lived, society sees women as subordinate to men and encourages them to marry. They are not seen as individuals who have or should have freedom and control over there lives. According to Connerprairie.org, “married women generally were not allowed to make contracts, devise wills, take part in other legal transactions, or control any wages they might earn. One of the few legal advantages of marriage for a woman was that her husband was obligated to support her and be responsible for her debts.” Women do not have independence, civil or property rights in Louise’s time period yet the expectation for women is to give up their rights to their husband in marriage and live a life as a subordinate to their male counterparts. Louise behavior is ironic because unlike most woman in her time period, she does not conform to the societal standard of being a subordinate and submissive wife. Instead with the news of her husband’s death, she looks forward to being a free and independent woman which is unheard of in her time