The essays "THE STORY OF AN HOUR" 1, and "A SORROWFUL WOMAN"2, depicts the main characters, the wives, being bound by the unwanted bond of marriage. In this essay we will compare and contrast the events of the two stories.
            
             Comparing our essay we find that both women seemingly lived in situations where they were well loved and provided with all the essentials of life. Yet, we discover it was not sufficient in it's performance to permit the women to continue entertaining life as married women or mother. Within the "THE STORY OF AN HOUR"3 we find Mrs. Mallard, residing in a situation that she could have changed; but perhaps the era she lived in did not present a favorable solution. Mrs. Mallard, never finding the courage to be open and honest, and tell her husband and family how she felt concerning her marriage. However, she discovers that "chance" was in her favor, as she learns of the death of her husband. Becoming momentarily emotional over the situation, as any grieving widow would, we discover it was short lived as she accepted the situation with joy. Now she finds herself free from that she had secretly longed for- the bond of marriage broken. Yet, it was short-lived rejoicing. As the husband returns home completely unaware of the circumstances of the hour, Mrs. Mallard realizes her joy was short lived. Overwhelmed by the loss of her short lived freedom as a single woman, she dies, death ending the relationship from which she had long desired to be free.
            
             Continuing with the essay of "A SORROWFUL WOMAN" 4, we find the "Wife" never truly realizing what was happening to her mental state and the reality of marriage was no longer appeasing. The "Wife" coming to the realization that the sight of her husband and child, "made her so sad and sick she did not want to see them ever again."5 Ultimately both essays bring about a climatic event that leaves one to entertain the idea of questioning the desires of the heart. For there is an ag...