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Kate Chopin's

Essay by   •  December 26, 2010  •  Essay  •  550 Words (3 Pages)  •  1,492 Views

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In Kate Chopin's short story "The Story of an Hour," there is much hatred. The first hatred detected is in the way that Louise reacts to the news of the death of her husband, Mr. Mallard. Before Louise's reaction is revealed, Chopin turns to how the widow feels by describing the world according to her outlook of it after the bad news. Louise is said to "not hear the story as many women have heard the same." Rather, she accepts it and goes to her room to be alone. Now the person reading starts to see the world through Louise's eyes, a world full of new life.

In her room, Louise sinks into a comfortable chair and looks out her window. Immediately the image of relaxation seems to strike oddly. Reading this story should question the use of this word "relaxation" and why Louise is not beating her furniture instead of crying or sobbing? Maybe because she was mistreated so long now she can relax and enjoy your time alone and doesn't haven't to worry about anything. Yes she should care about her husband, but I'm not sure it has hit her yet it was gone.

Next, the newly widowed woman is looking out of the window and sees spring and all the new life it brings. The descriptions used now are as far away from death as possible. "The delicious breath of rain...the notes of a distant song...countless sparrows were twittering...patches of blue sky...." All these are beautiful images of life, now you have to be confused by this most unusual vision until Louise's reaction is explained.

The widow whispers "Free, free, free!" Louise realizes that her husband did love her, but then she goes on to explain that as men and women often inhibit each other, even if it is done with the best of intentions, they use their own wills upon each other. She realized that although at times she had loved him, she now has regained her freedom.

Although this reaction is completely unexpected, the reader quickly accepts it because of Louise's good explanation. She grows excited and begins to dream about living her life. With this she wishes that "life might be long," and she feels like a "goddess of Victory" as she walks down the stairs. This is a scary vision for an even more unexpected ending.

I just accepted Louise's reaction to her husband's death,

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