Imagery in "The Story of an Hour"
             Kate Chopin uses a great deal of imagery in "The Story of an Hour" to
             portray Mrs. Mallard's feelings after her husband has passed away. Her sister
             Josephine was very cautious when telling Mrs. Mallard of the death of her
             husband, knowing about her heart troubles and in fear that Mrs. Mallard would be
             so devastated she might have a heart attack. Quite the opposite happens, Mrs.
             Mallard is exhilarated when she hears of her husband's passing away.
             The first thing that is described when Mrs. Mallard enters the room alone
             after hearing about her husbands death is "an open window, and a comfortable,
             roomy armchair." The open window represents freedom to the outside world, and
             the armchair shows that there is just enough room for her to be comfortable and
             not having to share it with anyone else. To show her relief, the story explains
             how when she sat down in this chair she "sank, pressed down by a physical
             exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul."
             The next paragraph describes the beauty of what she sees while looking
             out of that window. "The tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring
             life," "the delicious breath of rain," "notes of a distant song," and "countless
             sparrows twittering." It shows her looking forward to what life has to offer,
             enjoying its beauty. She appreciates the birds, enjoys the smell of life, she is
             In describing her physical appearance the story tells that she was "young,
             with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain
             strength." She now had a dull stare in her eyes which "indicated a suspension of
             intelligent thought." She was able to think for herself, not hold back her feelings
             or thoughts, she could live life the way she wants to, not the way someon...