Kate Chopin's short story, "The Story of an Hour," illuminates the consequences of freedom found and independence lost.
             The heroine, Louise Mallard, is afflicted with heart trouble. For this reason, her sister, Josephine, takes great care in telling Louise of her husband's sudden death, in a railroad disaster. Her husband's friend Richards heard the news first at the newspaper office and sends a telegram to confirm the news. The news of her husband's death becomes a catalyst in the story. Louise did not hear the news of her husband's death the same way, nor did she react the same way. Louise began to cry and acknowledge her loss. Once her grief subsides, Louise goes to her room alone...
             In her room, her physical exhaustion compels her to settle into her comfortable chair (that) "haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul." (13) Kate Chopin is using spring to suggest that Louise might feel a sense of renewal and self-worth. Louise is being confronted with new possibilities -- that may well be strange, yet feel, hopefully satisfying."She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength," (13) The author suggests that the heroine is stronger than she thinks she is and capable of having a better life. Louise begins to day-dream of what life has in store for her, yet she is a bit apprehensive about what might be in store for her. She is beginning to feel her possibilities.
             She felt "freedom" coming although she did know what it was. It was "creeping out of the sky reaching towards her through the sounds, the scents, the colors that filled the air." (13) She recognizes that "freedom" is coming and trying to posses her however, she tries to fight it and is powerless to do so. Louise accepts her freedom, once the look of terror leaves her; she begins to em
             ...