a story of an hour by kate chopin

Short film  

watch the video then we will discuss the story .

“The Story of an Hour,” is a short story written by Kate Chopin on April 19, 1894. It was originally published in Vogue on December 6, 1894, as “The Dream of an Hour“. It was later reprinted in St. Louis Life on January 5, 1895, as “The Story of an Hour”.

The title of the short story refers to the time elapsed between the moments at which the protagonist, Louise Mallard, hears that her husband is dead, and when she discovers that he is alive after all. “The Story of an Hour” was controversial by American standards of the 1890s because it features a female protagonist who feels liberated by the news of her husband’s death. In Unveiling Kate Chopin, Emily Toth argues that Chopin “had to have her heroine die” in order to make the story publishable”.^[2] (The “heroine” dies when she sees her husband alive after he was thought to be dead.)

Characters

Louise Mallard is a young married woman, who feels constrained in her home and her marriage. Ellen Harrington states “It’s not as if her husband is mean or abusive, but she is trapped in a relationship that limits her freedoms as an individual.” She discovers that her husband has died and she feels liberated; but soon after, her husband walks through the door, unharmed and alive, and kills his wife with a shock that was too much for her heart. Lawrence Berkove argues: “As we look at the character of Mrs. Mallard, we can take into account that, while she is happy her husband has died, she’s not involved in a loveless marriage, nor is she abused or oppressed by her husband.” In fact Chopin states in her story, “She did love him. Sometimes.”

Mrs. Mallard wished no ill on her husband and is even sad when she first hears the news. However, upon reflection, she decides this is a good thing. She is free to live her own life again and decides she is happy her husband has died. This offers us a glimpse into the dark side of her personality. Is this a mere expression of freedom, or is she excited to be free of this man who she believes has held her back? The story is vague on that particular topic. Mahmoud Sabbaugh states “It is more or less up to the reader to decide if Louise Mallard is a feminist champion, or a monster who wished death upon her husband.”

by eyman .hammda