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Story Of An Hour Literary Analysis

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The obvious theme in “The Story of An Hour” is freedom. In the 1800s many women were deprived of their freedom as Mrs. Mallard was and were not able to have a taste of such. Even though women “had loved” (198 Chopin), their significant other it wasn’t enough to stop them from the excitement of freedom. The patches of blue sky is so tempting and overwhelming one can’t help but repeat “body and soul free”. It is ironic to think that such a loss can cause death to oneself after having their freedom snatched before their eyes. Sudden realization of the truth can be so wonderful but yet heartbreaking at the same time. The symbol of freedom is depicted by the blue “sky reaching towards her” (Chopin 198), represents freedom and a new life ahead of her. The window is giving Mrs. Mallard reassurance of her independence that is awaiting her. She is having a view of life itself without her husband stopping her. Another symbol is given in the beginning of the story when Mrs. Mallard is announced to have “heart trouble” (197 Chopin), from the lack of freedom she has being married and deprived from it. The news of her husband’s death was unfolded to her carefully due to her heart problem to ensure her health was not in jeopardy. Unfortunately it was not the news of her husband’s death that led to her own. …show more content…

Normally when someone passes it is not freedom that they feel, they are deeply saddened by such a tragedy. However, in the story it uses irony because although she is saddened by the death of her husband she knows that she will be able to be “free, free,free”(chopin 198). Another irony in this story is yanking Mrs. Mallard’s freedom from under her feet once she finds out her husband is not dead. Instead of being free as she is hoping, in the end Mrs. Mallard dies from “joy that kills”(Chopin

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