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 intriguing stories I have ever 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 uses symbolism to reflect the long-hidden emotions and desires of Mrs. Mallard towards aspects of her married life. Chopin creates an image of oppressed women, who cannot do anything without their husband's will and lose their freedom once they enter marriage.

Symbolism in Kate Chopin’s "The Story of an Hour"

The first symbol I will discuss is heart trouble. In general, the heart symbolizes the emotional core. At the very beginning of the story, the writer informs us that Mrs. Mallard is afflicted with heart trouble. It means that 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 the fact that women of her era were trapped in their marriage lives as they lost their identity and freedom after getting married.

Secondly, Chopin may also be using an open window as symbolism for Mrs. Mallard's freedom from marriage. When she hears about her husband’s death, she cries bitterly for him. At the same time, she sits in front of an open window, which could be considered symbolically very important because it is shown as an open gate to Mrs. Mallard's new self-possessed life. Her mind is about to open to some new ideas. As she sits in front of the open window, she observes 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 of the “open window” that suggests the happiness that will come into her life. Additionally, the open window signifies the endless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. I think Josephine and Richard could also be symbolized as the common male and female figures. They symbolize the way society sees widows and their influence on them. The writer demonstrates that Mrs. Mallard feels free for a moment, but it is society that brings her down again. As the writer said, Mrs. Mallard initially feels the realization of her new freedom, but then she is confronted with renewed suppression by the reestablishment of subjugation to her husband and society.

Conclusion

What I understand is that Kate Chopin tried to portray the image of suppressed women through her story. She also presents how the woman of the 19th century was entrapped between her desires and societal expectations after getting married. After reading the story, it is clear that the marriage was functional, but she still appreciated the short freedom that she had when she thought her husband was gone. Moreover, she dies not only of a heart attack but also of the snatching of that freedom. The realization that she will have to go back into a subservient role and will have to bend her will to someone else is what truly kills her.

References

1. Chopin, K. (1894). The Story of an Hour. Vogue.
2. Berkove, L. I. (2000). Fatal Self-Assertion in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour". American Literary Realism, 32(2), 152-158.
3. Jamil, S. S. (2009). Emotions in "The Story of an Hour". The Explicator, 67(3), 215-220.
4. Showalter, E. (1991). Tradition and the Female Talent: The Awakening as a Solitary Book. In Bloom, H. (Ed.), Kate Chopin. Chelsea House Publishers.