The Story of an Hour: A Biographical Analysis
The Story of an Hour: A Biographical Analysis
Christina M. Salvador
ENG125: Introduction to Literature
Instructor: Loretta Crosson
February 17, 2014
The Story of an Hour
The Story of an Hour; is this a story of transformation and final freedom from a male oppressor? This paper submits a biographical analysis of the short story written by Kate Chopin and finds that The Story of an Hour is the chronicle of the life of Mrs. Chopin and perhaps a cathartic release of unfinished patriarchal injustice.
Captures Me
As a nearly middle-aged, conservative, anti-feminist, woman, I like to challenge myself both intellectually and politically. The Story of an Hour captured my interest for a variety of reasons. The writing is full of political undercurrents, imagery and symbolism is used in brilliant and invigorating ways, and its ultimate tone is one of utter defeat.
The political issues of the times for both the author Mrs. Chopin and the stories main Character Mrs. Mallard include a perceived oppression by most. Within the context of the story the issues include the mention of the husband’s full name while Mrs. Mallard’s first name remains unknown. One of the most important sentences from the story is, “"There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature.” (Chopin, 1984) Mrs. Chopin clearly states, with that sentence, that though she may be addressing marriage oppression, it is not unidirectional. “With which men and women”, shows that Mrs. Chopin has a belief that all marriage and relationships in general are oppressive.
Images as stated in our textbook is a, “distinct representation of something that can be experienced and understood through the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste), or the representation of an idea.” (Clugston, 2010, pg 2.5) Some of the ways imagery is used in The Story of an Hour were in the
Christina M. Salvador
ENG125: Introduction to Literature
Instructor: Loretta Crosson
February 17, 2014
The Story of an Hour
The Story of an Hour; is this a story of transformation and final freedom from a male oppressor? This paper submits a biographical analysis of the short story written by Kate Chopin and finds that The Story of an Hour is the chronicle of the life of Mrs. Chopin and perhaps a cathartic release of unfinished patriarchal injustice.
Captures Me
As a nearly middle-aged, conservative, anti-feminist, woman, I like to challenge myself both intellectually and politically. The Story of an Hour captured my interest for a variety of reasons. The writing is full of political undercurrents, imagery and symbolism is used in brilliant and invigorating ways, and its ultimate tone is one of utter defeat.
The political issues of the times for both the author Mrs. Chopin and the stories main Character Mrs. Mallard include a perceived oppression by most. Within the context of the story the issues include the mention of the husband’s full name while Mrs. Mallard’s first name remains unknown. One of the most important sentences from the story is, “"There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature.” (Chopin, 1984) Mrs. Chopin clearly states, with that sentence, that though she may be addressing marriage oppression, it is not unidirectional. “With which men and women”, shows that Mrs. Chopin has a belief that all marriage and relationships in general are oppressive.
Images as stated in our textbook is a, “distinct representation of something that can be experienced and understood through the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste), or the representation of an idea.” (Clugston, 2010, pg 2.5) Some of the ways imagery is used in The Story of an Hour were in the
References: Clugston, W. (2010). Journey into literature. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Jamil, S. (2009). Emotions in the Story of an Hour. Explicator, 67(3), 215-220. Seyersted, P. (1969). Kate Chopin: A Critical Biography. Norway: Universities for laget.