Discuss the theme of Identity and Selfhood in The Story of An hour. Make sure you have in-text citations in your discussion and a reference After your discussion. Be sure to react to two of your classmates' comments
In literature, themes are the main topics/subjects that authors imply in their stories. In Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” the theme of identity and selfhood is used; “Identity” refers to an individual’s characteristics and “selfhood” involves recognizing one’s unique identity and the way a person feels about themselves. The third person narrator informs reader of Mrs. Mallard’s identity by giving bits of information for example, that she is a young wife who suffers from “heart trouble” (1). She is not like most women whose initial reaction to the news of their husbands’ death would be disbelief (3). Instead, Mrs. Mallard gave way to tears immediately (3). The theme is revealed when she sits upstairs in a chair facing the window because a contrast is drawn between imagery. Prior to this bleak, stormy imagery was used; however, as she gazes out the window refreshing imagery of spring comes into the picture (5). She stops feeling repressed and gains strength when she gazes through the window and thinks about how she no longer has to answer to a husband and can now “live for herself” (14). She thinks that she has total control over her life as she expresses joyfully that she is “Free, free, free!” (11). As she exits the room she is portrayed as “a goddess of Victory” since she thinks she has won authority over her body and soul and does not have to conform to the role of what a 19th century traditional wife has (20). Hence, she finally asserts her selfhood as an independent woman and hopes to live for a long time so that she can shape her identity into what she wants it to be in the future (19). Reference Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
yes, the entire layout of her life was presented to her as soon as she stood in front of the window and gazed out. brighter days were ahead because she could have been herself. she was free of mental and physical slavery.
I agree eith your discussion of the themes. In your terms I am able to realize her identity that she fails to fulfill. I would like to add that Mrs. Mallard finally gained her selfhood back when in the story she said, " Free. Free.Free." symbolised that the sun shone through her window (10)
Personally, I agree with the statement where you state that she realizes she does not have to conform to the role of what a 19th century traditional wife has. However, I believe that you are missing the main point in the end where she sees here husband for the last time. At this point she has already conquered all her obstacles except one, that was confronting her husband because it was him who had her feeling that way, and the reason she felt free was because she no longer had to deal with him. But in reality, him returning in the end (20) signifies that she lost all that self-hood that she dreamed of having and she lost her newly found identity. I believe the reason Chopin stated that Louise died of the joy that kills is because she was so overwhelmed, that at the moment she realized she would lose it all once more, she could not stand that thought and so her heart gave in.
I totally Agree towards your statement Karina, due to the fact that Mrs. Mallard was a woman fighting her inner soul (personality), and she was trying to find out what was really her identity while she was lacked up in her room (5). With the concluding factor it was thoughtful how u did explain the identity and them of the story.
i also agree with you Michael L, to also add . Louise’s life offers no refuge for this kind of joy, and the rest of society will never accept it or understand it. Extreme circumstances have given Louise a taste of this forbidden fruit, and her thoughts are, in turn, extreme. She sees her life as being absolutely hers and her new independence as the core of her being i believe i the main idea of the story.
I also agree with this she was being presented with a golden opportunity to be free again without any husband and can now ne herself without any dictation from her husband and now she finally has total control with the ability to express herself in any way she pleases. Victory is hers.
Karina, you brought out great point and yes she was fighting for her identity and finally though she got it when she heard her husband was dead. she was happy to be "free" and independent of her husband. Sadly this was short lived as her life was too.
In Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour”, one dominant and prevalent theme is portrayed throughout the short story, which is identity. Mrs. Mallard maintained the role of a traditional 19th century wife, a life which she detested because of the fact that she was to submit everything about her to her husband. Upon receiveng the news of her husband’s death, her reaction differed from other women who have heard the same news(9). The other women had a “paralyzed inability to accept its significanc” (10). This was simply because Mrs. Mallard longed for something more, something that was beyond riches, and this was her independence and self authority. She wanted to control her body and everything that defined her as a person and a wife rather than having to submit to someone else. After having wept suddenly for a while(10), she made her way upstairs into a room(11). Here is where the imagery and theme is portrayed, because she stood before a window, having a clear view of the outside world. Literally, the barrier between herself and the outside world was the window, and metaphorically, the barrier between her ability to be herself in the outside world and suffocation was her husband, which was no longer there because of his death. She gazed outside, on the top of the trees that were all acquainted with the new spring life(16). Likewise, she was now presented with the opportunity to be herself and achieve what she longs for, which was independence. The singing of someone and the twittering of the sparrows(18) serves as the streams of joy that she felt, as the singing of birds are pleasant and sweet. The patches of blue sky among the clouds that faced her window(19) represents the rays of hope that she now saw in her life; hopes that stared her in the face because they were facing her window. The clouds, now, represents the grief, but out of the grief, came something good for Mrs. Mallard, which is the patches of blue sky, which was hopes that she could be her own person. She repeated the words “free, free, free!” under her breath(35). This shows that she could not help herself or control her emotions of happiness. She was finally free! Free of all limitaitions and ownership from someone else. In line 51, she kept whisering ‘ Free! Body and soul, free!”, which meant that all she could dwell upon is her freedom which lied in many years to come. Her sisiter came to knock on the door, thicking she was weeping and making herself ill but instead, she was “drinking the elixir of life”(51). In line 54, she prayed that her life would be long to experince summer days, spring days and all sorts of days that were going to belong to her. When she opened the door to her sister to go back downstairs, she was a “Goddes of Victory”, as she regained control over her body, her life,her soul and her desires. In line She was now a self-dependent and happy person(56).
Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
Dana, I absolutely like the in text citations you use to support your point of view in the themes prtrayed in the story. In addition to what you hve discussed I would like to add that Mrs. Mallard in the beginning of the story Mrs. Mallard's identity is completely opposite to the the identity and selfhood she attains at the end of the story
Dana, I agree with your point and you have enough evidences to support. I would like to suggest describing the ending of Mrs. Mallard’s life. She wants control her own life, however, she don’t have any right because her husband still alive. And her victory is cut short; she hadn’t died of heart disease- of joy that kills. She died because of the disappoints of destroys her hopes for her future life.
I like the way u went along explaining how the every detail of Mrs. Mallard feelings and the use of the imagery that you used at evidence. Also would like to add that the “Goddess of Victory” symbolizes that she won the fight of freedom and she is now ready to be herself without submitting/subjecting to any one.
I agree with you, she was presented with the opportunity to be herself and achieve what she longs for, which was independence. You uses a lot of evidence in you blog to support your point.
I agree with you also because I also think that this was a golden opportunity for her. This was her moment to shine and live the life that she longs for, the ability to be herself and to not live under her husband.
I really enjoyed how you went about discussing the in-text citations you included. In particular, the image of the window acting as a metaphorical barrier between Mrs. Mallard finding herself and expressing her true identity and that of the ideal of the typical submissive 19th century wife that she is expected to be. As she looks out the window she gains insight into the type of person that she can be.
In Kate Chopin’s 1894 story “The Story of an Hour”, she uses the theme of identity and selfhood to describe Mrs. Mallard’s life. Mrs. Mallard hears the story of her husband’s death, “she did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance” (3). Here implies symbol of the rich and serious subject which her husband’s death brings grief but later is able to free. “She went away to her room alone” (3), “there stood, facing the open window” (4), Mrs. Mallard receives “new spring life”, “air”, “songs” (5), “blue sky” (6), those elements symbolizes a new life is coming. Like many traditional women in 19’s, Mrs. Mallard’s husband loves her; however the husband imposes his personal will in her. From now on, she begins to live her own lives. “Free, free, free” (11), implies she really wants freedom from her husband. “But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome” (13). From those “open” imagery, Mrs. Mallard welcomes her own life and enjoys controlling her own life. To get deeper in to the theme of identify and selfhood, Chopin introduces that “free! Body and soul free!’ she kept whispering” (16) “her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own” (19). She thinks flew to summer of the next spring, she prays herself lives longer and makes her feels deeply ironic that just yesterday when she thinks the day is so long for her, also can not help trembling. Ending is short and quick. “When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease- of joy that kills” (23). Maybe only the reader can understand the real cause of her death, not heart disease, but a new birth of freedom and frustration despairs and awakening of true love. Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
The author, Kate Chopin, is one of few innovative authors that wrote the short story, “The Story of an Hour.” This story allows the reader to go beyond and analyze every literature term in the story. One important literary term is the themes that are manifested in the story. Chopin vividly and evidently presents two themes to the readers that are, identity and selfhood. The author introduces the antagonist of the story, Mrs. Louise Mallard, who is young and suffers from heart disease (1). Her young years symbolize her identity yet there is this immense obstacle that is keeping it from becoming exposed and figuratively it’s her heart disease. Mrs. Mallard doesn’t reveal her identity since it is suppressed by her husband (12). When her sister informs her about the death of her husband Louise weeps but then goes upstairs. Metaphorically the action of her going to her room after having wept (2) represents the move for her attainment of selfhood. Louise in the beginning of a story is demonstrated as a vulnerable character as it evidenced when the persona states great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband’s death (1). Further in the story, there is an illustrative symbol of Mrs. Mallard waiting for something from the sky and then it is explained that (10). The author permits its readers to have a vivid imagery when Mrs. Mallard attains her identity and selfhood (10)as it explains that her eyes stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body. This demonstrates her recovery and the time to expose her identity and selfhood. Mrs. Mallard was longing to attain her identity and as it was mentioned in the story she became a goddess of victory (16). The goddess of victory obviously specified the reader that she has won her victory that is her selfhood and identity. At the end of story Mrs. Mallard dies however she died with her identity and selfhood and as the doctors said she died of joy (16). Chopin, K (1864). “The Story of An Hour.”
Yes, Adriane, I like the view that you present. However, I am disagreeing that Mrs. Mallard died of joy. Because she is so happy of her victory that she can control her own life. But the bad news is her husband still alive that means her hopes for future life is destroys, I think the reason of her death, not heart disease, but a new birth of freedom and frustration despairs and awakening of true love.
Adriane, I believe you are right in all your arguments, however, don't believe that her young years are what symbolize her identity. i believe that it is her longing for freedom that ultimately symbolize her identity. the reason for this is because our identity is what makes us, and what makes us are our feelings towards others and society. Yes, in modern terms identity means name, age and height, however, the deeper meaning of identity is who we are deep inside. Not many people remember names and faces, but they most definitely remember attitude, and beliefs. Hence, I personally believe that with her losing her bonds from her husband, she ends up finding her identity. This idea is portrayed when Chopin states "There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature" (12).
Adrianne I love the way you carried through bringing out the theme. Apart from winning her victory, her "goddess" act was also a symbol of the confidence she left the room with, and the hope she was carrying within herself to be the leader of her life. This is what selfhood is all about. And am sure you do not believe like the doctor that she died of joy. Her confidence was cut short by the fact that her oppressor was still alive and all her dreams were only short-lived.
Adrianne I love the way how you stated the theme and identity of the story. You also said that she had attain the goddess of victory meaning that she had won the victory (16), but to me; I would position it as she failed in life but won in identity in being persistent and determined to discover what was really her identity and selfhood. It was a good comment to me; also I understand your point much clearly.
In "The Story of an Hour" written by Kate Chopin, we find a very young woman, Mrs Louise Mallard, who has just been given the most devastating news any wife could possibly receive. She is told that her husband died, and her having heart problems was believed to take the news in a form of disbelief or sudden illness, for she had "heart trouble" (1). Fortunately for her, as part of the dominant theme in the story, identity and self-hood, Mrs Mallard took the news, not as many women would have done, "with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance", and instead she immediately wept without question and then headed to her room (3). The reason for this is because before this point in time, Mrs Mallard felt as if she had no identity because she was always catering to the needs of her husband and knew nothing of doing everything for her. After this, we find her in her room staring out the window to the spring field scenery (5). Here we find our first major symbol. Spring is known as the season of new beginnings, flourishing and rebirth. This now gives the impression that there is something new and wonderful forming for Mrs Mallard. It is here that Chopin decides to bring out the self-hood of Louise. This is so because here is when Louise first realizes that she no longer has to do anything for anyone else. She does not have to worry about caring for her husband, "she would live for herself" (12). The theme is now bluntly placed in the open when we hear Louise whisper the words "Free! Body and soul free!" (14). This shows that now she definitely felt joy that her husband was gone because she was uplifted of all her burdens. She was finally free from her husband, "yet she had loved him--sometimes" (13) she now felt whole again, she had obtained her identity. Finally, the last section in which the theme identity and self-hood is seen is in the end when Louise decides to finally come out, feeling very triumphant and delighted (18). However, when she arrived downstairs, she is taken aback at the sight of her very much, alive husband, who had just entered the house. Mrs Mallard, due to her heart troubles now falls to the ground, and when the doctors arrive, they tell the family that Mrs Mallard had succumb to her illness and died of the joy that kills (20). However, it seems that Mrs Mallard did not die because of joy, but instead because the identity and self-hood that was newly found had now been taken away from her once again, but this time she could not handle it.
Reference: Chopin, K (1864). “The Story of An Hour.”
In Kate Chopin “The Story of an hour” The theme of selfhood and identity is used mainly for the understanding and use of imagery that refers to Mrs. Mallard “identity” meaning her personality and for “selfhood” deals with the understanding of how her personality is set in place of the story. As the story progress it explains that Mrs. Mallard personality is base on the characteristics; the story is written in the third person point of view that gives informs us that Mrs. Mallard is afflicted by heart troubles (1). With the troubles that Mrs. Mallard is going through with her heart problem it is said that her sister came to her within a comforted manner, so that it might not had trouble her as much (3); but as the piece went on we had seen that Mrs. Mallard base on Chopin point of view was in a storm full manner of grief that dreaded through her mind of the information given to her of her husband (3). During the story it is said that Mrs. Mallard was quite overcome by her feelings and was extremely fearful of what was going to happen (9). Within her personality an understanding it was more like a ware fear going through her mind, she was too weak to try and beat it (10) then finally there was a voice whispering in her “Free, free, free!”(11). Mrs. Mallard was quite persistent and determined to not give up, and she breathed a quick prayer that life might be long (season of life, and growth) (19). Her identity was fairly convincing but personality was relatively extraordinary than others; due to the fact that she had a sturdy characteristics in achieving a mindset of dependability in trying to completing the joy that kills, of trying to conquer the heart disease; she failed but in life but won in identity in being persistent and determined. To me the story had base itself on Grief and Sorrow with a little of joy; due to the fact that there in the piece Mrs. Mallard was quite frantic about how Brently had died, and she was extremely sad about the hold scenario, but in the outcome she felt a little joy that turn her around when she saw him she was quite shock. Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
Personally I think you should have elaborated a bit more on the joy she felt when sitting down by the window. I also think you should have elaborated a bit more on the scenes of imagery at that point of the story. However, you did truly bring fort the evidence for her identity that was indeed influence by her husband.
Steven, I like the way you put it, Mrs Mallard failing in life but winning in identifying herself because that is exactly what happened. Some might feel like she lost it all, but even before death she had a taste of what it felt like to live for oneself. Your explanation of the theme is a little hard to follow, but I basically got the idea.
I agree with you Steven, but in this story it also portrayed Mrs. Mallard as a selfish person, because even though she had heard that her husband had died, she didn't really give herself time to grieve, but was immediately overjoyed.
Steven, its true that she was sad over the matter but like what rrowland said "she didn't really give herself time to grieve, but was immediately overjoyed. this shows that yes she is selfish and she manage to live a part of her life living for herself before she die.
In Kate Chopin’s short story “The Story of an Hour” she uses Mr. and Mrs. Mallard situation to portray a dominant theme through out, identity and selfhood. In the beginning, the new was carefully broken to her about the death of her husband. Here we see that Mrs. Mallard is indeed married to her husband, whom she has to submit everything to. Even though she hated it with such passion she still manages to love Richard sometimes (15). However, when she heard of his death it was like freedom was place upon a dove. It was at this instance, that she felt how it was to be free of him. She realizes all this at the window which she pared through (4). It is also here where she finds her identity was totally different from her selfhood. For she displayed something that she was not and did not like but then she found the real her, she found her happiness, and her freedom (11). While staring through this window she realizes that there was somewhat of a new beginning to come. She also realize that there was probably hope of her being what she always wanted to be, due to the fact that there was no more of her husband. This hope was displayed by the blue sky, which also represent a bit of grief along with hope in the future. She would no longer have to submit to any one but her self. In addition, she had fresh air, a release of the old air for the new one. This window (life/marriage) held her back from really being herself. It kept her as a wife who felt somewhat like a prisoner. Then she heard someone singing and the birds twittering, which assured her of her joy that she felt. She then just sat back and enjoys it: the felling, the happiness the joy she did not feel for a long time now. These were things that were coming from her (9) but because she never felt it she could not have recognize it and therefore she was fearfully of it. As a result she tries to fight it but she did not win (10). As her new beginning and joy took over she felt fresh and new. It was like she and everything in her was renewed (11) even though she quested if it was a monstrous joy but it was not. It was a true feeling of joy and happiness, especially when she said “Free, free, free!”. This meant that she was no longer subject to any one but herself and when she said “ Free! Body and soul free!” it also meant that she would forever stay this way now. Then suddenly, she sister came to check on her but instead she interrupted her “drinking the elixir of life” (18). But before leaving to her sister’s call she said slight prayer, praying for life to be long so she could experience all sorts of days. The “Goddess of Victory” then took control of her body, which represented her life, her soul, her wants and needs; and the got up and opened the door to her sister. After which she went down stairs feeling new and independent. Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
I did was reading this short story that she was glad her husband leave. but your understanding to it does make sense, likely i would want to interpret the story your way.
I appreciated that you pointed out the fact that she realized her identity was different from her sense of selfhood. Also, that it was really the feeling of having freedom that she was trying to supress. Simply because this was new to her, at first she thought it was improper and tried to fight it, but eventually she gave in to these feelings and didn't feel guilty about them.
Claudia Baptist In her narrative "The Story of an Hour", 1894, Kate Chopin relates the story of young Mrs. Mallard who suffers from a heart problem. Josephine, her sister-in-law, and Richards, her husband’s friend hears that Mr. Mallard experienced a fatal accident. They come to pass on the news but in the softest way possible due to her condition. Initially Mrs. Mallard breaks into sobs and goes off to her room to be alone where she sits gazing out a window. As she views the open skies and listens to the birds and other sounds, she suddenly realizes that her husband’s death has brought her some sort of relief, although she could not really define what it was. With this new knowledge she believes she is now ready to begin life anew and releases herself from the confinement of her room. As she descends the stairs however, she discovers her husband who just walked in. This new reality is too much for her frail heart to bear. She dies almost immediately. Throughout the story, Chopin uses brilliant images to bring out the theme of identity and selfhood. As Mrs. Mallard goes off to her room to mourn her husband’s death, she views from her window “the top of trees that were all aquiver with new spring life” (5). Here the springtime symbolizes new beginnings. Mrs. Mallard is stricken with grief because of her husband’s death, but there is a new beginning awaiting her. This is followed by several other statements symbolizing a fresh start for the young Mrs. Mallard. “The delicious breath of rain was in the air. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares. The notes of a distant song which someone was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves. There were patches of blue sky showing here and there…” (5) All these revelations opened Mrs. Mallard’s eyes to something she never identified with before. She is suddenly aware of her surroundings and is powered to leave her room and finally take control of her own life. She pronounces herself “free, free, free”(11). “There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature…”(14) While Josephine worries about Mrs. Mallard making herself ill, on the other hand, “she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window” (18). “She arose at length and opened the door to her sister's importunities” (19). Already she is acting against the expected. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory. She clasped her sister's waist, and together they descended the stairs” (19). She is no longer the sick frail weeping wife, but a woman who finally discovers herself and is ready to take on the world and make her own decisions, and live life at her own pace in her own style.
Reference Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
Spark Notes Editors. (2007). Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-story-of-an-hour/
In "The Story of an Hour" written by Kate Chopin” The action of the story seems to play out in about an hour's time. As the theme plays out in the story the main focus on women's search for self-hood, for self-discovery or identity, also against social norms that limit women's possibilities in life. The fact that Louise has heart trouble is the first thing we learn about her, (1) as Chopin continue it goes on to say that the announcement of her husband Brently’s death which is so threatening to her because of her heart problem. Even though she was grieving she was also happy in the sense that there is finally freedom for her as she went into her room alone, “she would have no one follow her.” (3) The writer continues to display “self-hood” and “self-discovery” as she look through her window and watch the blue sky which the open window provides a clear, bright view into the distance and Louise’s own bright future, and the life she’s living.(10) As she’s taking everything in she still saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely(12) she still believes that the social norm for her is about to change whether she did not have the freedom of speech, a job as many believe that a wife should be home taking care of the house, free she kept whispering may signify all of these.(15) When Louise reflects on her new independence, her heart races, when she dies at the end of the story, the diagnosis of “heart disease” seems appropriate because the shock of seeing Brently was surely enough to kill her. But the doctors’ conclusion that she’d died of overwhelming joy is ironic because it had been the loss of joy that had actually killed her. Indeed, Louise seems to have died of a broken heart, caused by the sudden loss of her much-loved independence. A person with a weak heart, after all, would not deal well with such news of the death. Reference Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour” Spark Notes Editors. (2007). Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-story-of-an-hour/
The story of an Hour, is written by Kate Chopin, the story was published in 1894.(1) This story is about a wife Mrs. Mallard who supposedly afflicted with heart trouble, whom felt trap in her marriage and wanted to be free. She couldn't believe her luck when her sister came to her home and told her by telegram , that her husband had died in a train wreck.(3) She didn't hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept significance. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms. when the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. Oh the wonder to finally be free, she went to her room and instead of being sad she was over joyed. She was already beginning to see how she would spend the future, no one to tell her what to do, or where to go. Her sister was worried about her and went to check on her and beg her to come out of the room so she can comfort her. She came out to show her sister that she was fine. (21) Some one was opening the front door with a latchkey. It was Brently Mallard who entered, a little travel-stained, composedly carrying his grip sack and umbrella. He had been far from the scene of accident, and did not even know there had been one. He stood amazed at Josephine's piercing cry; at Richards' quick motion to screen him from his wife. (22) But Richard was too late. (23) When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease- of joy that kills. Reference: Chopin,K.(1894). "The Story of an Hour"
In Chopin’s “The short ofan hour”, the theme of intently is evidently portrayed throughout the entire short story. Mrs. Mallard a miserable 19th century traditional house wife longs for the opportunity to control her life and to express herself as an independent woman, and to shape her identity into what she hopes to become in the future. Upon receiving the news of her husband’s untimely death, her reaction differed from and normal woman who would have received the same news. While sitting upstairs in a chair facing the window gazing out between the images she suddenly realized this great opportunity and endless possibilities that could be available to her now. “ as she exits the room she is portrayed as a goddess of victory since she thinks she won authority over her body and soul and does not have to conform to the role of what a 19th century traditional wife has” (20). “ she stops feeling repressed and gains strength when she gazes through the window and thinks about how she no longer has to answer to a husband and can now live for herself” .(14). “ she thinks that she has total control over her life as she expresses joyfully that she is free, free, free! “ (11). “This shows that she could not help herself or control her emotions of happiness she was finally free, free of all limitations and ownership from someone else” (51). “She prayed that her life would be long to experience summer days spring days and all sorts of days that were going to belong to her. When she opened the door to her sister to go back downstairs, she was a ‘Goddess of victory’ as she regained control over her body, her life her soul and desires in line she was now a self – dependent and happy person” (56). Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”
I agree with you, as it seems that women always have to do what their husband wanted and never had a lot of rights,but we have come a long way and nowadays women are very independent persons.
Yes, i agree that Mrs. Mallard was a miserable housewife who wanted to shape her future brightly. Because of the reaction to her husband sight since years, she did not live the future but died because of the joy that kills.
that was the norm back in the days we can't change the pass. Woman usually do as their husband wants. But now its not that way any more. Woman is standing up and we men should respect that.
In the story of an hour the author uses two themes to display the short story that resembles the woman. These themes are considered selfhood and identity. “Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble” (1). Unfortunately a trip comes up which Mrs. Mallard husband had to left and leaves her behind alone. For countless years she did not hear from her husband, suddenly “her sister Josephine told her the news in broken sentences that her husband was dead” (2). The identity in Kate Chopin short story reflects to the individual Mrs. Mallard who was the main person in the story. Mrs. Mallard selfhood was the way she reacted when she heard the news and the sight of husband that seems devastated. Many heard the story before “She did not hear the news as many other women have heard the same with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance” (3). With Grief she turned away and went into her room alone. As she look throughout the window a strange feeling came over that require of her “a new spring life” (5), colour that filled the air” (9), and “even certain strength” (8). These emotions meant a lot to Mrs. Mallard and it gives her freedom. When she abandoned herself three little words escaped her slightly parted lips; “free, free, free!” (11). Feeling free Louise, kept imagine the time “she had loved him-sometimes” (15), yet allowing her “body and soul to be free” (16). As she and Josephine locked the door, someone was opening the door with a latchkey. Before her eyes it was Brently Mallard who entered. A glance at him was too late when the “doctor said his wife died of heart disease of joy that kills” (23). Unluckily, Mrs. Mallard identity and self-hood was also profound when she carried herself like a goddess of victory” (20). Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”
Identity and Selfhood In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin (1984), identity and self hood are portrayed in the nineteenth-century short story as this was a time when women had little or no rights or say in what was going on. The wives back then were legally bound by the power their husbands had over them. Only widows would not have to bear the duty of following what their husband says, they control their lives after that. So selfhood would be fitting as when Mrs. Mallard learnt of her husband’s death, it says that she did not behave like the other women and shocked, “she wept at once”(3) which shows her personality from the other women, she was definitely different, she had her own identity. When she went upstairs she was reflecting on life and how it would be, she then realizes “she would live for herself.”(14)which portrays identity as well, she did not want to live under anybody else’s rules or power. She would set her own rules and do what she pleases. She would be independent from any authority. When Mrs. Mallard recognizes this independence she exclaims "Free! Body and soul free!"(16) Which highly indicate the question of her finding her self and the new found independence. Chopin brought this forward as back then women were not as liberated as their husbands were to do what they desire and yearn to do. While upstairs in her room Louise Mallard, by the window and the environment outside, Chopin shows the imagery of the “new spring life.”(5) which symbolically portrays the beginning of new life in the springtime when everything is starting over, getting life or beginning over, a new start to her life as being independent. Chopin draw the story to a close with Mrs. Mallard's dying of heart disease, the doctor said it’s "the joy that kills."(23) This is ironic, as Louise must have been severely disappointed by the return of her husband. The defeat of freedom from her marriage, and what all it involves. Her heart condition could also be a metaphor for the emotional condition she was in. Lastly even the name "mallard" is a kind of duck, Chopin did well to also make her name mean something as the “wild birds” represent liberty. References Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour” Spark Notes Editors(2007).Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved April 19, 2012
I enjoyed that you even elaborated on the significance behind the name. It really is true that that even her last name was fittingly used in the story to help bring across the idea that she really wanted freedom over her identity and life.
CArlos Rudon In the short story “ The Story of an hour” written in 1894 by K. Chopin is about a young wife who is not the orginary wife we meet today. This story is wrritten in third person point of view. The theme identity and selfhood is portrayed throughout the story. Mrs. Mallard is a wife who is is very concern and protected of her husband. Her sister came to her and try her best to bring the information across to her without her breaking down but when she hear her husband is dead she was in grief. When Mrs. Mallard got the bad news of her husband death she reacted different from any regular wife wife. She brown down in grief and muring. Within the story Mrs. Mallard was guite conquer by her judgment and was tremendously frightened of what will be the outcome. She went into her room muring. She then went to her window looking “ the top of the trees that were all quiver with new spring life”. This is a form of symbolism. Due to the fact that she is a young wife she has a lot more to live and experience. It is a being of a new life style to her being single and will live for herself and no one for the years to come. Her sister decided to go check up on her and she interrupted her “drinking the elixir of life”. Before leaving she said a prayer for her sister for longer days. Then she went down the stairs feeling brand new and self-determining.
Identity is the condition of being oneself or itself, and not another. self-hood is the self adulteration of one's self. Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" and the themes of identity and self-hood. Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with heart trouble, great care was taken to break it to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death(1). Chopin is stating that Mrs. Mallard was affected by heart problems and they had to take it easy when giving her the news. She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a parlayed inability to accept its significance(3). Chopin expressed that many women have a hard time dealing with death of family members. She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long(19). Chopin stated that prayed so that she can live with the death of her husband. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes and she carried herself unwitting like a goddess of victory(20) Chopin states that she was strong to carry herself pass the pain with victory.
Reference Chopin, K.(1894). "The Story of an Hour"
Stephanie Reina Overview on the story of an hour The story was well described. It appealed to the sensory senses which added to the clarity and interpretation of characters and events. The author of this story was Kate Chopin (1984) who described this tragic moment in the Louise life. This story was based on married couples that seemingly have had a good marriage. However, an unexpected turn took place. The main character Louise Mallard, the wife, has a heart problem. Her sister Josephine along with Richard, who is a close friend, informed her (Louise) that her husband has departed this life. The manner that he died was described as an accident by the railroad. In addition, his name was mentioned as being a victim in this disaster. This tragic news would have been traumatic to anyone. However, due to Louise’s medical condition, it was deadly. The announcement of the death of Louise’s husband was a bit contradicting. There were moments when she was seemingly sad but gave the reader the impression of being relieved. This added to the theme of freedom. She was somewhat contented with her husband’s death since she would now be free. Her need of wanting to be free was interpreted with the description of their marriage. According to the author, it was just normal and typical. Nothing too exciting nor amazing. The author also expressed that Louise was usually bored. Nevertheless, the author expressed an emotion of sadness through all the characters, especially Louise. Her sadness was mostly interpreted when she was struck with the news of her husband’s death. However, it could have been sadness, surprise or happiness that caused her demised when she saw that her husband was still alive. This was a very interesting but at the same time contradicting story. In the end someone really died simply because of being gullible in accepting a critical and unofficial message by word of mouth. I can relate to this detriment of the seeing people lives being destroyed by adhering to simple wrong messages. Moreover, in our direct community and culture, this has caused many problems and even lead to many deaths. For example, a devoted wife hearing the news that her husband is being unfaithful may create an everlasting lack of trust and love and may even lead to a crime of passion. Lastly, I must comment that the moral I took from this story is to not believe or take messages as gospel until given a reason to do so. In our Belizean culture we tend to follow the theory of “if da noh so…dah nearly soh”. So my advice to others and myself is to be careful of what we say and to whom we say it…WORDS CAN KILL! Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of hour. Spark Notes Editors (2007).Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved October 14, 2012.
In literature, themes are the main topics/subjects that authors imply in their stories. In Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” the theme of identity and selfhood is used; “Identity” refers to an individual’s characteristics and “selfhood” involves recognizing one’s unique identity and the way a person feels about themselves. The third person narrator informs reader of Mrs. Mallard’s identity by giving bits of information for example, that she is a young wife who suffers from “heart trouble” (1). She is not like most women whose initial reaction to the news of their husbands’ death would be disbelief (3). Instead, Mrs. Mallard gave way to tears immediately (3).
ReplyDeleteThe theme is revealed when she sits upstairs in a chair facing the window because a contrast is drawn between imagery. Prior to this bleak, stormy imagery was used; however, as she gazes out the window refreshing imagery of spring comes into the picture (5). She stops feeling repressed and gains strength when she gazes through the window and thinks about how she no longer has to answer to a husband and can now “live for herself” (14). She thinks that she has total control over her life as she expresses joyfully that she is “Free, free, free!” (11). As she exits the room she is portrayed as “a goddess of Victory” since she thinks she has won authority over her body and soul and does not have to conform to the role of what a 19th century traditional wife has (20). Hence, she finally asserts her selfhood as an independent woman and hopes to live for a long time so that she can shape her identity into what she wants it to be in the future (19).
Reference
Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
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yes, the entire layout of her life was presented to her as soon as she stood in front of the window and gazed out. brighter days were ahead because she could have been herself. she was free of mental and physical slavery.
DeleteI agree eith your discussion of the themes. In your terms I am able to realize her identity that she fails to fulfill. I would like to add that Mrs. Mallard finally gained her selfhood back when in the story she said, " Free. Free.Free." symbolised that the sun shone through her window (10)
DeletePersonally, I agree with the statement where you state that she realizes she does not have to conform to the role of what a 19th century traditional wife has. However, I believe that you are missing the main point in the end where she sees here husband for the last time. At this point she has already conquered all her obstacles except one, that was confronting her husband because it was him who had her feeling that way, and the reason she felt free was because she no longer had to deal with him. But in reality, him returning in the end (20) signifies that she lost all that self-hood that she dreamed of having and she lost her newly found identity. I believe the reason Chopin stated that Louise died of the joy that kills is because she was so overwhelmed, that at the moment she realized she would lose it all once more, she could not stand that thought and so her heart gave in.
DeleteI totally Agree towards your statement Karina, due to the fact that Mrs. Mallard was a woman fighting her inner soul (personality), and she was trying to find out what was really her identity while she was lacked up in her room (5). With the concluding factor it was thoughtful how u did explain the identity and them of the story.
Deletei also agree with you Michael L, to also add . Louise’s life offers no refuge for this kind of joy, and the rest of society will never accept it or understand it. Extreme circumstances have given Louise a taste of this forbidden fruit, and her thoughts are, in turn, extreme. She sees her life as being absolutely hers and her new independence as the core of her being i believe i the main idea of the story.
DeleteI also agree with this she was being presented with a golden opportunity to be free again without any husband and can now ne herself without any dictation from her husband and now she finally has total control with the ability to express herself in any way she pleases. Victory is hers.
DeleteKarina, you brought out great point and yes she was fighting for her identity and finally though she got it when she heard her husband was dead. she was happy to be "free" and independent of her husband. Sadly this was short lived as her life was too.
DeleteIn Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour”, one dominant and prevalent theme is portrayed throughout the short story, which is identity. Mrs. Mallard maintained the role of a traditional 19th century wife, a life which she detested because of the fact that she was to submit everything about her to her husband. Upon receiveng the news of her husband’s death, her reaction differed from other women who have heard the same news(9). The other women had a “paralyzed inability to accept its significanc” (10). This was simply because Mrs. Mallard longed for something more, something that was beyond riches, and this was her independence and self authority. She wanted to control her body and everything that defined her as a person and a wife rather than having to submit to someone else. After having wept suddenly for a while(10), she made her way upstairs into a room(11). Here is where the imagery and theme is portrayed, because she stood before a window, having a clear view of the outside world. Literally, the barrier between herself and the outside world was the window, and metaphorically, the barrier between her ability to be herself in the outside world and suffocation was her husband, which was no longer there because of his death. She gazed outside, on the top of the trees that were all acquainted with the new spring life(16). Likewise, she was now presented with the opportunity to be herself and achieve what she longs for, which was independence. The singing of someone and the twittering of the sparrows(18) serves as the streams of joy that she felt, as the singing of birds are pleasant and sweet. The patches of blue sky among the clouds that faced her window(19) represents the rays of hope that she now saw in her life; hopes that stared her in the face because they were facing her window. The clouds, now, represents the grief, but out of the grief, came something good for Mrs. Mallard, which is the patches of blue sky, which was hopes that she could be her own person. She repeated the words “free, free, free!” under her breath(35). This shows that she could not help herself or control her emotions of happiness. She was finally free! Free of all limitaitions and ownership from someone else. In line 51, she kept whisering ‘ Free! Body and soul, free!”, which meant that all she could dwell upon is her freedom which lied in many years to come. Her sisiter came to knock on the door, thicking she was weeping and making herself ill but instead, she was “drinking the elixir of life”(51). In line 54, she prayed that her life would be long to experince summer days, spring days and all sorts of days that were going to belong to her. When she opened the door to her sister to go back downstairs, she was a “Goddes of Victory”, as she regained control over her body, her life,her soul and her desires. In line She was now a self-dependent and happy person(56).
ReplyDeleteReference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
Dana, I absolutely like the in text citations you use to support your point of view in the themes prtrayed in the story. In addition to what you hve discussed I would like to add that Mrs. Mallard in the beginning of the story Mrs. Mallard's identity is completely opposite to the the identity and selfhood she attains at the end of the story
DeleteDana, I agree with your point and you have enough evidences to support. I would like to suggest describing the ending of Mrs. Mallard’s life. She wants control her own life, however, she don’t have any right because her husband still alive. And her victory is cut short; she hadn’t died of heart disease- of joy that kills. She died because of the disappoints of destroys her hopes for her future life.
DeleteI like the way u went along explaining how the every detail of Mrs. Mallard feelings and the use of the imagery that you used at evidence. Also would like to add that the “Goddess of Victory” symbolizes that she won the fight of freedom and she is now ready to be herself without submitting/subjecting to any one.
DeleteI agree with you, she was presented with the opportunity to be herself and achieve what she longs for, which was independence. You uses a lot of evidence in you blog to support your point.
DeleteI agree with you also because I also think that this was a golden opportunity for her. This was her moment to shine and live the life that she longs for, the ability to be herself and to not live under her husband.
DeleteI really enjoyed how you went about discussing the in-text citations you included. In particular, the image of the window acting as a metaphorical barrier between Mrs. Mallard finding herself and expressing her true identity and that of the ideal of the typical submissive 19th century wife that she is expected to be. As she looks out the window she gains insight into the type of person that she can be.
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ReplyDeleteIn Kate Chopin’s 1894 story “The Story of an Hour”, she uses the theme of identity and selfhood to describe Mrs. Mallard’s life. Mrs. Mallard hears the story of her husband’s death, “she did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance” (3). Here implies symbol of the rich and serious subject which her husband’s death brings grief but later is able to free. “She went away to her room alone” (3), “there stood, facing the open window” (4), Mrs. Mallard receives “new spring life”, “air”, “songs” (5), “blue sky” (6), those elements symbolizes a new life is coming. Like many traditional women in 19’s, Mrs. Mallard’s husband loves her; however the husband imposes his personal will in her. From now on, she begins to live her own lives.
ReplyDelete“Free, free, free” (11), implies she really wants freedom from her husband. “But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome” (13). From those “open” imagery, Mrs. Mallard welcomes her own life and enjoys controlling her own life. To get deeper in to the theme of identify and selfhood, Chopin introduces that “free! Body and soul free!’ she kept whispering” (16) “her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own” (19). She thinks flew to summer of the next spring, she prays herself lives longer and makes her feels deeply ironic that just yesterday when she thinks the day is so long for her, also can not help trembling.
Ending is short and quick. “When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease- of joy that kills” (23). Maybe only the reader can understand the real cause of her death, not heart disease, but a new birth of freedom and frustration despairs and awakening of true love.
Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
The author, Kate Chopin, is one of few innovative authors that wrote the short story, “The Story of an Hour.” This story allows the reader to go beyond and analyze every literature term in the story. One important literary term is the themes that are manifested in the story. Chopin vividly and evidently presents two themes to the readers that are, identity and selfhood. The author introduces the antagonist of the story, Mrs. Louise Mallard, who is young and suffers from heart disease (1). Her young years symbolize her identity yet there is this immense obstacle that is keeping it from becoming exposed and figuratively it’s her heart disease. Mrs. Mallard doesn’t reveal her identity since it is suppressed by her husband (12). When her sister informs her about the death of her husband Louise weeps but then goes upstairs. Metaphorically the action of her going to her room after having wept (2) represents the move for her attainment of selfhood. Louise in the beginning of a story is demonstrated as a vulnerable character as it evidenced when the persona states great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband’s death (1). Further in the story, there is an illustrative symbol of Mrs. Mallard waiting for something from the sky and then it is explained that (10). The author permits its readers to have a vivid imagery when Mrs. Mallard attains her identity and selfhood (10)as it explains that her eyes stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body. This demonstrates her recovery and the time to expose her identity and selfhood. Mrs. Mallard was longing to attain her identity and as it was mentioned in the story she became a goddess of victory (16). The goddess of victory obviously specified the reader that she has won her victory that is her selfhood and identity. At the end of story Mrs. Mallard dies however she died with her identity and selfhood and as the doctors said she died of joy (16).
ReplyDeleteChopin, K (1864). “The Story of An Hour.”
Yes, Adriane, I like the view that you present. However, I am disagreeing that Mrs. Mallard died of joy. Because she is so happy of her victory that she can control her own life. But the bad news is her husband still alive that means her hopes for future life is destroys, I think the reason of her death, not heart disease, but a new birth of freedom and frustration despairs and awakening of true love.
DeleteAdriane, I believe you are right in all your arguments, however, don't believe that her young years are what symbolize her identity. i believe that it is her longing for freedom that ultimately symbolize her identity. the reason for this is because our identity is what makes us, and what makes us are our feelings towards others and society. Yes, in modern terms identity means name, age and height, however, the deeper meaning of identity is who we are deep inside. Not many people remember names and faces, but they most definitely remember attitude, and beliefs. Hence, I personally believe that with her losing her bonds from her husband, she ends up finding her identity. This idea is portrayed when Chopin states "There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature" (12).
DeleteAdrianne I love the way you carried through bringing out the theme. Apart from winning her victory, her "goddess" act was also a symbol of the confidence she left the room with, and the hope she was carrying within herself to be the leader of her life. This is what selfhood is all about. And am sure you do not believe like the doctor that she died of joy. Her confidence was cut short by the fact that her oppressor was still alive and all her dreams were only short-lived.
DeleteAdrianne I love the way how you stated the theme and identity of the story. You also said that she had attain the goddess of victory meaning that she had won the victory (16), but to me; I would position it as she failed in life but won in identity in being persistent and determined to discover what was really her identity and selfhood. It was a good comment to me; also I understand your point much clearly.
DeleteAdriane,you portray alot of the themes and symbols here. You are clear with your points u elaborated on. I see it a bit differently now
DeleteIn "The Story of an Hour" written by Kate Chopin, we find a very young woman, Mrs Louise Mallard, who has just been given the most devastating news any wife could possibly receive. She is told that her husband died, and her having heart problems was believed to take the news in a form of disbelief or sudden illness, for she had "heart trouble" (1). Fortunately for her, as part of the dominant theme in the story, identity and self-hood, Mrs Mallard took the news, not as many women would have done, "with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance", and instead she immediately wept without question and then headed to her room (3). The reason for this is because before this point in time, Mrs Mallard felt as if she had no identity because she was always catering to the needs of her husband and knew nothing of doing everything for her.
ReplyDeleteAfter this, we find her in her room staring out the window to the spring field scenery (5). Here we find our first major symbol. Spring is known as the season of new beginnings, flourishing and rebirth. This now gives the impression that there is something new and wonderful forming for Mrs Mallard. It is here that Chopin decides to bring out the self-hood of Louise. This is so because here is when Louise first realizes that she no longer has to do anything for anyone else. She does not have to worry about caring for her husband, "she would live for herself" (12). The theme is now bluntly placed in the open when we hear Louise whisper the words "Free! Body and soul free!" (14). This shows that now she definitely felt joy that her husband was gone because she was uplifted of all her burdens. She was finally free from her husband, "yet she had loved him--sometimes" (13) she now felt whole again, she had obtained her identity.
Finally, the last section in which the theme identity and self-hood is seen is in the end when Louise decides to finally come out, feeling very triumphant and delighted (18). However, when she arrived downstairs, she is taken aback at the sight of her very much, alive husband, who had just entered the house. Mrs Mallard, due to her heart troubles now falls to the ground, and when the doctors arrive, they tell the family that Mrs Mallard had succumb to her illness and died of the joy that kills (20). However, it seems that Mrs Mallard did not die because of joy, but instead because the identity and self-hood that was newly found had now been taken away from her once again, but this time she could not handle it.
Reference:
Chopin, K (1864). “The Story of An Hour.”
In Kate Chopin “The Story of an hour” The theme of selfhood and identity is used mainly for the understanding and use of imagery that refers to Mrs. Mallard “identity” meaning her personality and for “selfhood” deals with the understanding of how her personality is set in place of the story. As the story progress it explains that Mrs. Mallard personality is base on the characteristics; the story is written in the third person point of view that gives informs us that Mrs. Mallard is afflicted by heart troubles (1). With the troubles that Mrs. Mallard is going through with her heart problem it is said that her sister came to her within a comforted manner, so that it might not had trouble her as much (3); but as the piece went on we had seen that Mrs. Mallard base on Chopin point of view was in a storm full manner of grief that dreaded through her mind of the information given to her of her husband (3). During the story it is said that Mrs. Mallard was quite overcome by her feelings and was extremely fearful of what was going to happen (9). Within her personality an understanding it was more like a ware fear going through her mind, she was too weak to try and beat it (10) then finally there was a voice whispering in her “Free, free, free!”(11). Mrs. Mallard was quite persistent and determined to not give up, and she breathed a quick prayer that life might be long (season of life, and growth) (19). Her identity was fairly convincing but personality was relatively extraordinary than others; due to the fact that she had a sturdy characteristics in achieving a mindset of dependability in trying to completing the joy that kills, of trying to conquer the heart disease; she failed but in life but won in identity in being persistent and determined. To me the story had base itself on Grief and Sorrow with a little of joy; due to the fact that there in the piece Mrs. Mallard was quite frantic about how Brently had died, and she was extremely sad about the hold scenario, but in the outcome she felt a little joy that turn her around when she saw him she was quite shock.
ReplyDeleteReference:
Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
Personally I think you should have elaborated a bit more on the joy she felt when sitting down by the window. I also think you should have elaborated a bit more on the scenes of imagery at that point of the story. However, you did truly bring fort the evidence for her identity that was indeed influence by her husband.
DeleteSteven, I like the way you put it, Mrs Mallard failing in life but winning in identifying herself because that is exactly what happened. Some might feel like she lost it all, but even before death she had a taste of what it felt like to live for oneself. Your explanation of the theme is a little hard to follow, but I basically got the idea.
DeleteI agree with you Steven, but in this story it also portrayed Mrs. Mallard as a selfish person, because even though she had heard that her husband had died, she didn't really give herself time to grieve, but was immediately overjoyed.
DeleteSteven, its true that she was sad over the matter but like what rrowland said "she didn't really give herself time to grieve, but was immediately overjoyed. this shows that yes she is selfish and she manage to live a part of her life living for herself before she die.
DeleteIn Kate Chopin’s short story “The Story of an Hour” she uses Mr. and Mrs. Mallard situation to portray a dominant theme through out, identity and selfhood. In the beginning, the new was carefully broken to her about the death of her husband. Here we see that Mrs. Mallard is indeed married to her husband, whom she has to submit everything to. Even though she hated it with such passion she still manages to love Richard sometimes (15). However, when she heard of his death it was like freedom was place upon a dove. It was at this instance, that she felt how it was to be free of him. She realizes all this at the window which she pared through (4). It is also here where she finds her identity was totally different from her selfhood. For she displayed something that she was not and did not like but then she found the real her, she found her happiness, and her freedom (11). While staring through this window she realizes that there was somewhat of a new beginning to come. She also realize that there was probably hope of her being what she always wanted to be, due to the fact that there was no more of her husband. This hope was displayed by the blue sky, which also represent a bit of grief along with hope in the future. She would no longer have to submit to any one but her self. In addition, she had fresh air, a release of the old air for the new one. This window (life/marriage) held her back from really being herself. It kept her as a wife who felt somewhat like a prisoner. Then she heard someone singing and the birds twittering, which assured her of her joy that she felt. She then just sat back and enjoys it: the felling, the happiness the joy she did not feel for a long time now. These were things that were coming from her (9) but because she never felt it she could not have recognize it and therefore she was fearfully of it. As a result she tries to fight it but she did not win (10). As her new beginning and joy took over she felt fresh and new. It was like she and everything in her was renewed (11) even though she quested if it was a monstrous joy but it was not. It was a true feeling of joy and happiness, especially when she said “Free, free, free!”. This meant that she was no longer subject to any one but herself and when she said “ Free! Body and soul free!” it also meant that she would forever stay this way now. Then suddenly, she sister came to check on her but instead she interrupted her “drinking the elixir of life” (18). But before leaving to her sister’s call she said slight prayer, praying for life to be long so she could experience all sorts of days. The “Goddess of Victory” then took control of her body, which represented her life, her soul, her wants and needs; and the got up and opened the door to her sister. After which she went down stairs feeling new and independent.
ReplyDeleteReference:
Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
I did was reading this short story that she was glad her husband leave. but your understanding to it does make sense, likely i would want to interpret the story your way.
DeleteI appreciated that you pointed out the fact that she realized her identity was different from her sense of selfhood. Also, that it was really the feeling of having freedom that she was trying to supress. Simply because this was new to her, at first she thought it was improper and tried to fight it, but eventually she gave in to these feelings and didn't feel guilty about them.
DeleteClaudia Baptist
ReplyDeleteIn her narrative "The Story of an Hour", 1894, Kate Chopin relates the story of young Mrs. Mallard who suffers from a heart problem. Josephine, her sister-in-law, and Richards, her husband’s friend hears that Mr. Mallard experienced a fatal accident. They come to pass on the news but in the softest way possible due to her condition. Initially Mrs. Mallard breaks into sobs and goes off to her room to be alone where she sits gazing out a window. As she views the open skies and listens to the birds and other sounds, she suddenly realizes that her husband’s death has brought her some sort of relief, although she could not really define what it was. With this new knowledge she believes she is now ready to begin life anew and releases herself from the confinement of her room. As she descends the stairs however, she discovers her husband who just walked in. This new reality is too much for her frail heart to bear. She dies almost immediately. Throughout the story, Chopin uses brilliant images to bring out the theme of identity and selfhood.
As Mrs. Mallard goes off to her room to mourn her husband’s death, she views from her window “the top of trees that were all aquiver with new spring life” (5). Here the springtime symbolizes new beginnings. Mrs. Mallard is stricken with grief because of her husband’s death, but there is a new beginning awaiting her. This is followed by several other statements symbolizing a fresh start for the young Mrs. Mallard. “The delicious breath of rain was in the air. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares. The notes of a distant song which someone was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves. There were patches of blue sky showing here and there…” (5) All these revelations opened Mrs. Mallard’s eyes to something she never identified with before. She is suddenly aware of her surroundings and is powered to leave her room and finally take control of her own life. She pronounces herself “free, free, free”(11). “There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature…”(14)
While Josephine worries about Mrs. Mallard making herself ill, on the other hand, “she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window” (18). “She arose at length and opened the door to her sister's importunities” (19). Already she is acting against the expected. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory. She clasped her sister's waist, and together they descended the stairs” (19). She is no longer the sick frail weeping wife, but a woman who finally discovers herself and is ready to take on the world and make her own decisions, and live life at her own pace in her own style.
Reference
Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”.
Spark Notes Editors. (2007). Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-story-of-an-hour/
In "The Story of an Hour" written by Kate Chopin” The action of the story seems to play out in about an hour's time. As the theme plays out in the story the main focus on women's search for self-hood, for self-discovery or identity, also against social norms that limit women's possibilities in life. The fact that Louise has heart trouble is the first thing we learn about her, (1) as Chopin continue it goes on to say that the announcement of her husband Brently’s death which is so threatening to her because of her heart problem. Even though she was grieving she was also happy in the sense that there is finally freedom for her as she went into her room alone, “she would have no one follow her.” (3) The writer continues to display “self-hood” and “self-discovery” as she look through her window and watch the blue sky which the open window provides a clear, bright view into the distance and Louise’s own bright future, and the life she’s living.(10) As she’s taking everything in she still saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely(12) she still believes that the social norm for her is about to change whether she did not have the freedom of speech, a job as many believe that a wife should be home taking care of the house, free she kept whispering may signify all of these.(15) When Louise reflects on her new independence, her heart races, when she dies at the end of the story, the diagnosis of “heart disease” seems appropriate because the shock of seeing Brently was surely enough to kill her. But the doctors’ conclusion that she’d died of overwhelming joy is ironic because it had been the loss of joy that had actually killed her. Indeed, Louise seems to have died of a broken heart, caused by the sudden loss of her much-loved independence. A person with a weak heart, after all, would not deal well with such news of the death.
ReplyDeleteReference
Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”
Spark Notes Editors. (2007). Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-story-of-an-hour/
The story of an Hour, is written by Kate Chopin, the story was published in 1894.(1) This story is about a wife Mrs. Mallard who supposedly afflicted with heart trouble, whom felt trap in her marriage and wanted to be free. She couldn't believe her luck when her sister came to her home and told her by telegram , that her husband had died in a train wreck.(3) She didn't hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept significance. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms. when the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. Oh the wonder to finally be free, she went to her room and instead of being sad she was over joyed. She was already beginning to see how she would spend the future, no one to tell her what to do, or where to go. Her sister was worried about her and went to check on her and beg her to come out of the room so she can comfort her. She came out to show her sister that she was fine. (21) Some one was opening the front door with a latchkey. It was Brently Mallard who entered, a little travel-stained, composedly carrying his grip sack and umbrella. He had been far from the scene of accident, and did not even know there had been one. He stood amazed at Josephine's piercing cry; at Richards' quick motion to screen him from his wife. (22) But Richard was too late. (23) When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease- of joy that kills. Reference: Chopin,K.(1894). "The Story of an Hour"
DeleteIn Chopin’s “The short ofan hour”, the theme of intently is evidently portrayed throughout the entire short story. Mrs. Mallard a miserable 19th century traditional house wife longs for the opportunity to control her life and to express herself as an independent woman, and to shape her identity into what she hopes to become in the future. Upon receiving the news of her husband’s untimely death, her reaction differed from and normal woman who would have received the same news. While sitting upstairs in a chair facing the window gazing out between the images she suddenly realized this great opportunity and endless possibilities that could be available to her now. “ as she exits the room she is portrayed as a goddess of victory since she thinks she won authority over her body and soul and does not have to conform to the role of what a 19th century traditional wife has” (20). “ she stops feeling repressed and gains strength when she gazes through the window and thinks about how she no longer has to answer to a husband and can now live for herself” .(14). “ she thinks that she has total control over her life as she expresses joyfully that she is free, free, free! “ (11). “This shows that she could not help herself or control her emotions of happiness she was finally free, free of all limitations and ownership from someone else” (51). “She prayed that her life would be long to experience summer days spring days and all sorts of days that were going to belong to her. When she opened the door to her sister to go back downstairs, she was a ‘Goddess of victory’ as she regained control over her body, her life her soul and desires in line she was now a self – dependent and happy person” (56).
ReplyDeleteReference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”
I agree with you, as it seems that women always have to do what their husband wanted and never had a lot of rights,but we have come a long way and nowadays women are very independent persons.
DeleteYes, i agree that Mrs. Mallard was a miserable housewife who wanted to shape her future brightly. Because of the reaction to her husband sight since years, she did not live the future but died because of the joy that kills.
Deletethat was the norm back in the days we can't change the pass. Woman usually do as their husband wants. But now its not that way any more. Woman is standing up and we men should respect that.
DeleteIn the story of an hour the author uses two themes to display the short story that resembles the woman. These themes are considered selfhood and identity. “Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble” (1). Unfortunately a trip comes up which Mrs. Mallard husband had to left and leaves her behind alone. For countless years she did not hear from her husband, suddenly “her sister Josephine told her the news in broken sentences that her husband was dead” (2). The identity in Kate Chopin short story reflects to the individual Mrs. Mallard who was the main person in the story. Mrs. Mallard selfhood was the way she reacted when she heard the news and the sight of husband that seems devastated. Many heard the story before “She did not hear the news as many other women have heard the same with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance” (3). With Grief she turned away and went into her room alone. As she look throughout the window a strange feeling came over that require of her “a new spring life” (5), colour that filled the air” (9), and “even certain strength” (8). These emotions meant a lot to Mrs. Mallard and it gives her freedom. When she abandoned herself three little words escaped her slightly parted lips; “free, free, free!” (11). Feeling free Louise, kept imagine the time “she had loved him-sometimes” (15), yet allowing her “body and soul to be free” (16). As she and Josephine locked the door, someone was opening the door with a latchkey. Before her eyes it was Brently Mallard who entered. A glance at him was too late when the “doctor said his wife died of heart disease of joy that kills” (23). Unluckily, Mrs. Mallard identity and self-hood was also profound when she carried herself like a goddess of victory” (20).
ReplyDeleteReference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”
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ReplyDeleteIdentity and Selfhood
ReplyDeleteIn “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin (1984), identity and self hood are portrayed in the nineteenth-century short story as this was a time when women had little or no rights or say in what was going on. The wives back then were legally bound by the power their husbands had over them. Only widows would not have to bear the duty of following what their husband says, they control their lives after that. So selfhood would be fitting as when Mrs. Mallard learnt of her husband’s death, it says that she did not behave like the other women and shocked, “she wept at once”(3) which shows her personality from the other women, she was definitely different, she had her own identity. When she went upstairs she was reflecting on life and how it would be, she then realizes “she would live for herself.”(14)which portrays identity as well, she did not want to live under anybody else’s rules or power. She would set her own rules and do what she pleases. She would be independent from any authority.
When Mrs. Mallard recognizes this independence she exclaims "Free! Body and soul free!"(16) Which highly indicate the question of her finding her self and the new found independence. Chopin brought this forward as back then women were not as liberated as their husbands were to do what they desire and yearn to do. While upstairs in her room Louise Mallard, by the window and the environment outside, Chopin shows the imagery of the “new spring life.”(5) which symbolically portrays the beginning of new life in the springtime when everything is starting over, getting life or beginning over, a new start to her life as being independent.
Chopin draw the story to a close with Mrs. Mallard's dying of heart disease, the doctor said it’s "the joy that kills."(23) This is ironic, as Louise must have been severely disappointed by the return of her husband. The defeat of freedom from her marriage, and what all it involves. Her heart condition could also be a metaphor for the emotional condition she was in. Lastly even the name "mallard" is a kind of duck, Chopin did well to also make her name mean something as the “wild birds” represent liberty.
References
Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of an Hour”
Spark Notes Editors(2007).Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved April 19, 2012
I enjoyed that you even elaborated on the significance behind the name. It really is true that that even her last name was fittingly used in the story to help bring across the idea that she really wanted freedom over her identity and life.
DeleteCArlos Rudon
ReplyDeleteIn the short story “ The Story of an hour” written in 1894 by K. Chopin is about a young wife who is not the orginary wife we meet today. This story is wrritten in third person point of view. The theme identity and selfhood is portrayed throughout the story. Mrs. Mallard is a wife who is is very concern and protected of her husband. Her sister came to her and try her best to bring the information across to her without her breaking down but when she hear her husband is dead she was in grief. When Mrs. Mallard got the bad news of her husband death she reacted different from any regular wife wife. She brown down in grief and muring. Within the story Mrs. Mallard was guite conquer by her judgment and was tremendously frightened of what will be the outcome. She went into her room muring. She then went to her window looking “ the top of the trees that were all quiver with new spring life”. This is a form of symbolism. Due to the fact that she is a young wife she has a lot more to live and experience. It is a being of a new life style to her being single and will live for herself and no one for the years to come. Her sister decided to go check up on her and she interrupted her “drinking the elixir of life”. Before leaving she said a prayer for her sister for longer days. Then she went down the stairs feeling brand new and self-determining.
Reference
Chapin,K.(1894)."The Story of an Hour"
Identity is the condition of being oneself or itself, and not another. self-hood is the self adulteration of one's self. Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" and the themes of identity and self-hood. Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with heart trouble, great care was taken to break it to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death(1). Chopin is stating that Mrs. Mallard was affected by heart problems and they had to take it easy when giving her the news. She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a parlayed inability to accept its significance(3). Chopin expressed that many women have a hard time dealing with death of family members. She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long(19). Chopin stated that prayed so that she can live with the death of her husband. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes and she carried herself unwitting like a goddess of victory(20) Chopin states that she was strong to carry herself pass the pain with victory.
ReplyDeleteReference
Chopin, K.(1894). "The Story of an Hour"
Stephanie Reina
ReplyDeleteOverview on the story of an hour
The story was well described. It appealed to the sensory senses which added to the clarity and interpretation of characters and events. The author of this story was Kate Chopin (1984) who described this tragic moment in the Louise life. This story was based on married couples that seemingly have had a good marriage. However, an unexpected turn took place. The main character Louise Mallard, the wife, has a heart problem. Her sister Josephine along with Richard, who is a close friend, informed her (Louise) that her husband has departed this life. The manner that he died was described as an accident by the railroad. In addition, his name was mentioned as being a victim in this disaster. This tragic news would have been traumatic to anyone. However, due to Louise’s medical condition, it was deadly.
The announcement of the death of Louise’s husband was a bit contradicting. There were moments when she was seemingly sad but gave the reader the impression of being relieved. This added to the theme of freedom. She was somewhat contented with her husband’s death since she would now be free. Her need of wanting to be free was interpreted with the description of their marriage. According to the author, it was just normal and typical. Nothing too exciting nor amazing. The author also expressed that Louise was usually bored. Nevertheless, the author expressed an emotion of sadness through all the characters, especially Louise. Her sadness was mostly interpreted when she was struck with the news of her husband’s death. However, it could have been sadness, surprise or happiness that caused her demised when she saw that her husband was still alive.
This was a very interesting but at the same time contradicting story. In the end someone really died simply because of being gullible in accepting a critical and unofficial message by word of mouth. I can relate to this detriment of the seeing people lives being destroyed by adhering to simple wrong messages. Moreover, in our direct community and culture, this has caused many problems and even lead to many deaths. For example, a devoted wife hearing the news that her husband is being unfaithful may create an everlasting lack of trust and love and may even lead to a crime of passion. Lastly, I must comment that the moral I took from this story is to not believe or take messages as gospel until given a reason to do so. In our Belizean culture we tend to follow the theory of “if da noh so…dah nearly soh”. So my advice to others and myself is to be careful of what we say and to whom we say it…WORDS CAN KILL!
Reference: Chopin, K. (1894). “The Story of hour.
Spark Notes Editors (2007).Spark Note on The Story of an Hour. Retrieved October 14, 2012.