Literary Analysis of 'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin

This essay provides an analysis of Kate Chopin's 'The Story of an Hour,' focusing on the significance of the title and the themes within the story. The essay examines the setting, the character of Louise Mallard, and the emotional journey she undergoes upon learning of her husband's supposed death. It explores the symbolism of the house, particularly the contrast between the upper and lower levels, representing freedom versus constraint. The analysis delves into the brief period of joy and liberation Louise experiences before the tragic ending. The essay also references relevant scholarly sources to support its arguments, offering a comprehensive understanding of the story's literary elements and underlying messages.

Running head: THE STORY OF AN HOUR
The Story of an Hour
Name of the student
Name of the University
Author note

1THE STORY OF AN HOUR
The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin focuses on the life of Louise Mallard. This
essay analyzes on the significance of the title of the short story.
The atmosphere inside the room was comfortable and the outside of her house was
full of the new spring life. It signals the ailment of Mrs. Mallard who was suffering from that
of heart trouble. The room signifies the dreary condition in the life of Mrs Mallard whose
husband has died recently. Mrs Mallard’s sister and the friend of her husband informs her
gently about the loss of her husband (Chopin, pp 45). When Mrs. Mallard hears about the
demise of her husband she goes upstairs and peers out of the window. Sense of exhilaration
was associated with that of the upper level of the house and she enjoys when she thinks about
the life that she will have without her husband. The upper storey was associated with her free
soul and the lower storey was related to the gloom and despair that prevailed when she used
to live with her husband. In the lower level of the house, Louise met Brentley once again
suggesting the sense of despair related with the lower level of the house.
The title of that of the short story, The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin is indicative
of the time between the moment when Louise Mallard heard about the news of the death of
her husband and between the time when she realized that her husband was alive (Schmid, pp
76). The hour in between when she thought that her husband had died provided her with a
sense of relief and she felt free. The title of the short story is indicative of the joy that
enveloped Louise when she thought that her husband was dead.

2THE STORY OF AN HOUR
References:
Chopin, Kate. "The story of an hour." (2018).
Schmid, Daniel. Male Dominance and Female Powerlessness in Kate Chopin's" The Story Of
An Hour". GRIN Publishing, 2017.