The Story of an Hour

Eduardo Andrade

English 1302.P71

Juan Ochoa

11/12/2012

The Story of An Hour

In "The Story of An Hour," Kate Chopin uses different literary elements to show the reader that women in the 1800's were unhappy with their undesirable role in society.

In the very first line of the story, Chopin uses symbolism to show the different roles men and woman played in American society during the 1800's. Chopin entitles "Mallard," as the main character's last name. A mallard is a duck; the male mallard is considered a trophy specimen worthy of stuffing and hanging for show. The female mallard is dull in color and considered unattractive when compared to the male mallard. The female mallard's primary role is to produce hatchlings and care for the young ducklings. The male mallard's primary role is to gather food and find a female mallard worthy of fertilization. The author's use of "mallard" to symbolize the main character Louise Mallard shows what role each gender plays during the 1800's America. In the 1800's men were considered the head of the household and expected to provide for their family. The woman's role during the 1800's was to be a housewife and a caregiver for the children.

Chopin uses symbolism to show the reader of Mrs. Mallard's new found thoughts and feelings towards her husband's death. Chopin's use of the word "spring," shows the reader that Mrs. Mallard was feeling a sense of reincarnation with a whole new life ahead of her. Spring is a season in which new life is seen in many different forms. During the spring, trees reproduce new leaves, seedlings emerge from underground, animals come out from hibernation, new offspring are born, and the circle of life is once again triggered, life seems to flourish once again. Chopin shows the reader that Mrs. Mallard's outlook on life changes, when she realizes that she no longer has to live a life of servitude towards her husband, "She would live for herself."

Chopin symbolizes "freedom," through various literary elements. The open window facing the West represents a sense of freedom and new opportunities. The West stands for countless opportunities that Louise had anticipated after the passing of her husband. During the colonization of America, the West was the land of opportunity. Also known as the "Great American Frontier" or the "Wild West," the West gave immigrants and families an opportunity to follow a dream with the goal to better their life throughout the 17th century. Chopin's representation of "the open window" shows the reader that Louise had a sense of freedom and opportunity come over her; it was a chance to