“The Story of an Hour”
Why Mrs. Mallard died.
Tom Romano
Dr. Terryberry
Composition 101 Section 12
09-09-09
Normally, the loss of a loved one wouldn’t bring joy to any situation. Usually, a death results in sorrow and feelings of despair that could last a lifetime. But, for Louise Mallard it was a whole different story. In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, expressions of happiness and freedom are portrayed after Mrs. Mallard learns of the death of her husband. But in the end, her heart just sinks too far once she discovers Brently Mallard’s survival. Her physical disability may have contributed to her sudden death, but when that door was opened, it was her loss of liberty that pierced her heart.
The doctors said it was heart disease, but one truly knows that Louise’s death was caused by other details as well. The late 1800’s were a time when women lacked a solid set of rights and qualities. There were too many restrictions during this time period. Everything revolved around the man of the family, women were only secondary. It was almost as if the woman’s occupation was to pamper the man, resulting in a sense of enslavement and a shortage of freedom. For Mrs. Mallard, the news of her husband’s disaster only resulted in a minute sense of grief, which was odd for any newly married woman of this time period. Strangely instead, Louise took in a vast amount of bliss within the situation. Once, she had gazed out the window there was an innovative sense of freedom that overcame her. For the rest of her life, Mrs. Mallard wouldn’t have to live for anyone but herself.
The Essay on An Untimely Death Mrs Mallard
In "The story of an Hour," Kate Chopin reveals the complex character, Mrs. Mallard, In a most unusual manner. THe reader is led to believe that her husband has been killed in a railway accident. The other characters in the story are worried about how to break the news to her; they know whe suffers from a heart condition, and they fear for her health. On the surface, the story appears to be about ...
Mrs. Mallard’s sense of grief was quite easily overcome with the thoughts of what her future might hold. As time would pass, Mrs. Mallard’s growing sense of joy would devour what was only crumbs left of her sadness. The season’s beauty and change would only magnify the sum of her independence. Though she may have certainly loved her husband, Mrs. Mallard’s newfound delight was a far more enjoyable quality. Ironically, her prayer wouldn’t last, her freedom left her just as quickly as she had discovered it.
Regrettably, when Brently Mallard reappeared a sense of reality was brought back as well. His appearance resulted in anything but enjoyment for Louise Mallard. Immediately, her freedom flew out the door as Mr. Mallard stepped in. And unfortunately for Mrs. Mallard, her loss of freedom stole her heart as well. Her cardiac disability may have helped in her sudden death, but the fatal shock was caused by her new loss and old gain. Mrs. Mallard’s loss of freedom was just too much for her.
