Story Of An Hour Figurative Language

Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour” is a powerful story that constructively conveys her point that freedom is a basic and fundamental right of every person. The story takes place in the late 19th century, when the patriarchal system that controlled the lives of women and the roles that women could play in society. Chopin effectively conveys themes of personal liberty, marriage, and freedom of life throughout the story using symbolism, imagery, language, and irony. This short story is a narrative that sheds light on the importance of personal freedom and highlights the importance of individuals being able to make choices for themselves.

Chopin's use of symbolism is clear throughout the story, especially in the way she describes the world outside

The theme of oppression and freedom is explored in the story. Louise, a woman oppressed by a patriarchal society, initially views her husband's passing as a release from it. She understands that she may now live her life without being restricted by her husband's demands and expectations. Chopin's choice of visuals emphasizes this feeling of freedom. From her window, Louise can see "the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life." The imagery of the "new spring life" implies that Louise is also going through a rebirth and a fresh start. Chopin used vivid imagery to convey the emotional state of Louise. For example, when Louise is first told of her husband’s death, Chopin describes her as “pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul.” When Louise learns of her husband’s death, she is overwhelmed by grief and sadness. However, as she starts to process the unfortunate news, she experiences a sudden sense of liberation, and the possibility of living a free life from the constraints of marriage and societal expectations. Chopin's then uses descriptive language to show Louise’s excitement when she has had time to take in the news. When Louise is by herself in her room, she looks out the window and notices "patches of blue sky showing here and there

The title itself, “The Story of an Hour,” implies that the story will take place over a short period of time, however the events that occur within the hour have a huge impact on Louise’s life. For instance, Louise initial reaction to the news of her husband’s death is one of significant sorrow, and even so she begins to anticipate her newfound freedom. The irony in the phrase “of joy that kills” means that Mrs. Mallard is not free and therefore not happy with her married life. The excitement from the freedom which she receives for a short amount of time as soon as her husband comes home. When something unexpectedly occurs in a given situation, it is called a situational irony. Mrs. Mallard is a fantastic illustration of situational irony since she reacts with happiness and delight upon learning of her husband's passing rather than with tears and sadness. She was meant to be joyful, but as soon as her husband returns from the dead, she passes away in a state of sadness and misery. This irony emphasizes the theme that although marriage is meant to be a source of fulfillment and happiness, it can frequently be demanding and