The Story of an Hour: Mrs. Mallard's Character Analysis

The Story of an Hour is a renowned short story written by Kate Chopin in 1894. This piece of literature was controversial for its time as it portrayed a female protagonist who felt relieved after her husband's death. The ironic conclusion of the story made it memorable. In this essay, we will summarize the plot and provide an extensive character analysis of Mrs. Mallard, making it useful for those who are writing a critical analysis of The Story of an Hour.

Kate Chopin, born Catherine O'Flaherty, was an American writer best known for her narratives depicting the inner lives of delicate and courageous women. Her novel "The Awakening" and her short stories, including The Story of an Hour, are still widely read and recognized as important works of American literature. In 1894, Kate Chopin wrote The Story of an Hour, which tells the story of Louise Mallard, a woman who believes her husband has died in an accident. However, she later discovers that her husband is alive. Mrs. Mallard experiences a range of emotions and reevaluates her life, ultimately leading to her own death when she sees her supposedly deceased husband at the door.

The plot of The Story of an Hour revolves around Louise Mallard, a woman with a known heart condition. Her friends and relatives are aware of her condition and try to protect her from any distress. One day, her husband, Brently Mallard, is mistakenly reported to have died in a terrible railroad accident. Richard, a friend of Mr. Mallard, is the one who learns about the death while at the office. Josephine, Louise's sister, breaks the news to her, being cautious due to Mrs. Mallard's health. Josephine fears that the tragic news might cause a heart attack. However, Mrs. Mallard reacts surprisingly well, only shedding tears in her sister's arms with a feeling of sudden and wild abandonment. She finds herself wondering how she will survive without her husband and locks herself in a room to contemplate the consequences of his death. Mrs. Mallard is devastated by the loss, but as she ponders her future, she begins to realize that her husband's death might be the beginning of a better life for her. She sees independence and numerous possibilities to do what her heart desires.

Later, Josephine comes to Louise's room, crying tears of joy. Together, they descend the stairs of the house, and at that moment, Mr. Mallard appears at the door. He was not involved in the accident and does not understand why Josephine is crying. Mrs. Mallard is shocked to see her husband alive and collapses. The doctors declare that she has died from heart problems.

A significant aspect of the story is the portrayal of Mrs. Mallard's health issues. The author creates suspense by describing the delicate nature of delivering the news to someone with a heart condition. Josephine, the sister, tries to be cautious and attentive, expecting a painful response from Mrs. Mallard. However, Mrs. Mallard reacts better than expected. The story primarily focuses on femininity and the institution of marriage, which needs to be explored further to understand the core message.

The author illustrates that men dominate the institution of marriage entirely. Mr. Mallard only treats his wife the way she desires on occasion. Throughout their marriage, Louise sacrifices her own well-being to please her husband. Therefore, when she receives the devastating news of his death, she feels a sense of happiness. It becomes evident that she may have never truly cared for her husband. However, Mrs. Mallard's reaction to her spouse's death is complex. She cannot escape the loneliness and grief that come with the loss, but the possibility of happiness prevails. Louise realizes that marriage has made her a subject to her husband's will, against her own desires. She mourns the loss of his life, but not the loss of living for another person. She feels freed from the chains of living for someone else. Although initially saddened by Mr. Mallard's apparent death, Louise quickly regains her strength and accepts her new reality. She sees beyond the painful moment and anticipates freedom for the rest of her life.

The room and environment surrounding Mrs. Mallard symbolize her desire for freedom. The open window, for example, represents new possibilities and resources that she can now pursue without anyone stopping her. It is a metaphor for her aspirations towards a better, independent life. However, her newfound liberty and dreams come crashing down when her sister arrives and she sees her husband alive. This shattering experience leads to her untimely death. Situational irony is presented through the author's stylistic use of words: "She had died of heart disease...of the joy that kills." The tragic outcome was not expected by those who had heard the news of Mr. Mallard's death, but his miraculous survival.

Throughout the story, the character of Mrs. Mallard is developed through her internal thoughts and emotions. Initially, she is portrayed as a fragile and delicate woman due to her heart condition. However, as the story progresses, her strength and resilience become evident. Mrs. Mallard's initial reaction to the news of her husband's death is one of sorrow and grief, but as she reflects on her life and the possibilities that lie ahead, her emotions shift. She begins to feel a sense of freedom and empowerment, realizing that she can now live for herself rather than for her husband. This transformation in her character is evident in the line, "There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself."

Mrs. Mallard's character is also shaped by the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman in the late 19th century. She is seen as a dutiful wife who sacrifices her own desires and aspirations for the sake of her husband's happiness. The story challenges these expectations and highlights the limitations placed on women within the institution of marriage. Mrs. Mallard's reaction to her husband's death can be seen as a rebellion against these societal norms, as she embraces the possibility of a life free from the control and expectations of men.

In conclusion, The Story of an Hour is a thought-provoking and controversial short story that explores themes of freedom, identity, and the limitations placed upon women in the late 19th century. Through the character of Mrs. Mallard, Kate Chopin challenges societal norms and highlights the desire for independence and self-fulfillment that many women felt during this time period. The ironic conclusion of the story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human emotions and the unpredictable nature of life. Overall, The Story of an Hour is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and memorable characters.