Mrs Mallard: a Dynamic Character

Throughout literature, characters often undergo significant changes and transformations that contribute to the overall development of the story. One such character is Mrs. Mallard from Kate Chopin's short story "The Story of an Hour." Mrs. Mallard, upon receiving news of her husband's death, experiences a range of emotions that ultimately lead to her newfound freedom and self-realization. This essay explores the concept of Mrs. Mallard as a dynamic character, examining her transformation from a submissive wife to an independent woman. Through careful analysis of the text, it becomes evident that Mrs. Mallard's journey is one of self-discovery and liberation.

At the beginning of the story, Mrs. Mallard is portrayed as a typical 19th-century wife, confined to societal expectations and the role of a submissive wife. She is described as having "heart trouble," which can be interpreted as both a physical ailment and a metaphorical representation of her emotional state. This establishes her as a fragile character, dependent on her husband for emotional support and stability. However, when she receives the news of her husband's death, her initial reaction is unexpected – she weeps uncontrollably at first but then retreats to her bedroom to be alone. This moment marks the beginning of her transformation.

As Mrs. Mallard sits alone in her room, she contemplates her newfound freedom and reflects on her marriage. Chopin writes, "There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully." This suggests that Mrs. Mallard is aware of the changes that await her and is both excited and fearful of the possibilities. This moment of self-realization serves as a turning point for her character, as she begins to question the constraints of her marriage and envision a life of independence.

Furthermore, Mrs. Mallard's dynamic nature is evident in the way she experiences a range of emotions throughout the story. Initially, she is overwhelmed by grief, as expected from a grieving widow. However, her emotions quickly shift to a sense of liberation and joy. Chopin describes her as having "a feverish triumph in her eyes," indicating her newfound sense of freedom. This sudden change in emotions showcases Mrs. Mallard's ability to adapt and embrace the opportunities that arise from her husband's death.

Moreover, Mrs. Mallard's transformation is further reinforced by her changing perspective on marriage and the role of women in society. She reflects on her marriage as a "powerful will bending hers" and acknowledges that she had been living for her husband rather than herself. This realization allows her to see the flaws in her previous life and embrace the possibilities of a future without her husband. Through her internal thoughts and reflections, Mrs. Mallard's character evolves from a submissive wife to an independent woman.

Additionally, the conclusion of the story further solidifies Mrs. Mallard's dynamic nature. As she descends the stairs with her sister, she sees her husband, who was believed to be dead, standing in the doorway. This unexpected twist abruptly ends her moment of freedom and independence, causing her to collapse and die. While some may argue that this ending suggests Mrs. Mallard's character was not truly dynamic, it can be interpreted differently. Mrs. Mallard's death can be seen as the ultimate act of defiance against the societal expectations that would have forced her back into her submissive role as a wife. In her brief moment of freedom, she tasted the possibilities of a life without her husband and chose to die rather than return to her previous state of confinement.

In conclusion, Mrs. Mallard can undoubtedly be considered a dynamic character in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour." Through her transformation from a submissive wife to an independent woman, Mrs. Mallard experiences a range of emotions and ultimately embraces her newfound freedom. Her journey of self-discovery and liberation showcases the power of individual agency and the potential for personal growth. Mrs. Mallard's character serves as a reminder that even in the face of societal expectations, one can find the strength to break free and pursue their own happiness.

Bibliography

Chopin, Kate. "The Story of an Hour." The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Nina Baym et al., W. W. Norton & Company, 2016, pp. 414–416.