Kate Chopin: The Story of an Hour
Society's view of women was very different a century ago. Women, in the late nineteenth century, are seen as fragile and dependant upon their husbands for survival. In "The Story of an Hour," Kate Chopin uses imagery and characterization to show a woman's liberation through the death of her husband. Contrary to society's beliefs at the turn of the century, Chopin shows women are capable of expressing strength and independence. Chopin uses imagery and strength of character to follow one woman's efforts to escape the role society has mandated she accept. Society's views, however, are deeply rooted and not easily swayed. Chopin initially describes her protagonist, Louise, as "afflicted with a heart trouble" (Chopin, 170), giving her an immediate appearance of weakness, symbolic of how women of the late nineteenth-century were viewed: weak and frail. This characterization is strengthened as Louise's sister informs her of her husband's death in "...veiled hints that reveled in half concealing" (Chopin, 170). Society does not seem capable of accepting a woman being able to deal with such harsh realities as the death of a husband.
Not only is Louise comfortable with her new-found independence, she is already contemplating the possibilities of her own future. Josephine, unable to see past her own stereotype, is more concerned her sister's actions will ". Chopin's use of imagery shows Louise's hope and optimism for the future. Society does not have the right to define one's role in life, man or woman alike. [Louise] did not stop to ask if it were not a monstrous joy that beheld her" (Chopin, 172). Chopin has Louise reenter society as a woman, totally changed. Furthermore, Chopin condemns these acts as ". Louise was able to experience an hour of liberation before gaining ultimate freedom through death. Louise locks herself in her room, alone, retreats to a ". [to see] beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely" (Chopin, 172). like a goddess of Victory" (Chopin, 172).
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