Essay Outline: Story of an Hour
"The Story of an Hour" was written in 1894. From the story, what can you deduce about the role of women in late 19th century society. In your response, consider the character of Mrs. Mallard but also her sister Josephine and the behavior of male characters towards the female characters.
The image of women in the late 19th century was that women had to give themselves completely to their husbands; men controlled women and believed that women were weak-minded, dependent, and needed a husband. The characters Mrs Mallard, Josephine, Richards, and Mr. Mallard illustrate this point in the story.
women had to live under their husband’s complete control,
Mrs. Mallard: suppressed/not free suppressed by husband trapped husband made decisions
"Free! Body and soul free!" she kept whispering. when Mr. M was alive her body and soul = under his control body AND soul. mind, soul, etc no freedom at all husband’s death means freedom not trapped anymore
There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. normal life… she did everything for her husband did not do any living or anything for herself death = freedom. to do things for herself
“typical” woman weak-minded, dependent, needs husband
Josephine:
symbol of the norms seems to accept that men are more powerful and follows her husband’s “private will”
"Louise, open the door! I beg; open the door--you will make yourself ill. What are you doing, Louise? For heaven's sake open the door." suggests that Josephine expects Mrs. Mallard to be very upset that’s the “normal” response from women thinks mrs. m can’t handle herself
“you will make yourself ill” women are not
The image of women in the late 19th century was that women had to give themselves completely to their husbands; men controlled women and believed that women were weak-minded, dependent, and needed a husband. The characters Mrs Mallard, Josephine, Richards, and Mr. Mallard illustrate this point in the story.
women had to live under their husband’s complete control,
Mrs. Mallard: suppressed/not free suppressed by husband trapped husband made decisions
"Free! Body and soul free!" she kept whispering. when Mr. M was alive her body and soul = under his control body AND soul. mind, soul, etc no freedom at all husband’s death means freedom not trapped anymore
There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. normal life… she did everything for her husband did not do any living or anything for herself death = freedom. to do things for herself
“typical” woman weak-minded, dependent, needs husband
Josephine:
symbol of the norms seems to accept that men are more powerful and follows her husband’s “private will”
"Louise, open the door! I beg; open the door--you will make yourself ill. What are you doing, Louise? For heaven's sake open the door." suggests that Josephine expects Mrs. Mallard to be very upset that’s the “normal” response from women thinks mrs. m can’t handle herself
“you will make yourself ill” women are not