Literary Terms And Narrative Elements: The Story Of An Hour

ssignment 1: Literary Terms and Narrative Elements (The Story of an Hour)

1. Identify three literary devices in the story that is not mentioned below. Label the device and explain how they are used to create added meaning

Symbolism: The fifth paragraph gives a description of the new bright spring life such as newly growing trees, plants, and animals. These are symbols for Mrs. Mallard because she later begins her “new life” as her own person becoming happier and lighter.

Metaphor/Imagery: “She was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window.” This metaphor is used to add meaning by giving you a better image of her reaction to the sunlight and breeze coming through the open window. It gives the image of a gray, depressed woman who suddenly becomes happy, and livelier.

Paradox: “Joy that kills.” Despite being incorrect, the meaning behind this paradox is that Mrs. Mallard was killed from overjoy. This is a paradox because more often depression and sadness kill, opposite to joy. Whereas happiness usually bring people to be more full of energy and life.

2. Is Mrs. Mallard a protagonist? Explain

Mrs. Mallard is the protagonist in this story because the

Mallard’s death is a combination of her heart condition and becoming suddenly over-happy at the sight of her husband. This is ironic because the real reason for Mrs. Mallard’s death is the opposite. It is a combination of her weak heart and extreme sudden sadness and shock. Everyone thinks she was still overcome with sadness from his death when really she was finally happy that she could look forward to a long, independent life, living just for herself. Then when she discovered that her husband was really alive they thought she was so overcome with joy that she died when really she became extremely sad again because she was back where she had been before the incident. The irony is that all the characters besides Mrs. Mallard thought contrary to the