Analysis of Symbolism in The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

Introduction

The Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” is one of the most interesting stories that I have read in my life. What I mostly liked about the story is that it is full of mystery and irony as it ends with so many doubtful questions. Moreover, the way the writer uses symbolism in her story is outstanding. She used symbolism to reflect the long-hidden emotions and desires of Mrs. Mallard toward aspects of her married life. She tried to create an image of oppressed women who cannot do anything without their husband's will and have no more freedom once they enter into married life.

Analysis of Symbolism in The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

The first symbol I will discuss is heart trouble. Generally, the heart symbolizes emotional core. At the very beginning of the story, the writer informs us that Mrs. Mallard is afflicted with heart trouble (Chopin, 1894). This means she has a heart condition, and indeed, a heart attack is what kills her at the end of the story. Her heart troubles symbolize not only her emotional feelings associated with marriage but also the breakdown issue in the fundamental structure of society, which is marriage. As Mrs. Mallard was sick, there could be a possibility of contention between her and her husband. In short, using this condition as symbolism, the writer illustrates that women of her era became trapped in their married lives as they lost their identity and freedom after getting married (Toth & Seyersted, 1999).

Secondly, Chopin may also be using an open window as symbolism for Mrs. Mallard's freedom from marriage. When she heard about her husband’s death, she cried intensely for him. At the same time, she was sitting in front of an open window which could be considered symbolically very important because it was shown as an open gate to Mrs. Mallard's new self-possessed life (Chopin, 1894). Her mind is about to open to some new ideas. As she sits in front of the open window, she observed life full of energy like the chirping of birds and patches of blue sky breaking through clouds.

A lot of positive imagery is portrayed using the symbol "open window" that promises happiness in her life (Skaggs, 1985). I think Josephine and Richard could also be symbolized as common male and female figures within society. They symbolize how society views widows and influences them. The writer demonstrates that Mrs. Mallard felt free for a moment, but it was society that brought her down again (Showalter, 1991). As Chopin writes, Mrs. Mallard initially begins to realize her new freedom but then faces renewed suppression through subjugation to her husband and societal norms.

Conclusion

What I understand is that Kate Chopin tried to portray the image of suppressed women through her story (Toth & Seyersted, 1999). She also presents how women in the 19th century were entrapped between their desires and societal expectations after getting married. After reading the story, it becomes clear that while her marriage functioned outwardly well, she still appreciated even a short period when she believed her husband was gone and relished that fleeting sense of autonomy (Chopin, 1894). Moreover, she dies not only from a heart attack but also from having that freedom snatched away from her once more—realizing that she would have to return to a subservient role and bend her will to someone else truly killed her.

References

• Chopin, K. (1894). The Story of an Hour.
• Showalter, E., Ed. (1991). New Feminist Criticism: Essays on Women Literature.
• Skaggs, P.C. (1985). Kate Chopin: A Critical Biography.
• Toth, E., & Seyersted P., Eds.(1999). The Awakening: Complete Novels & Stories by Kate Chopin.