Society as a Prison

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    “The Story of an Hour “ is a short story written by Kate Chopin; this story was published in 1894. She is an American writer best known for her short stories. Moreover, she was one of the earliest feminists in history. Feminism is the best approach to understand the Story of an Hour as it reveals a deep rooted struggle women faced in material relationships. 

    Kate Chopin in her short story“ The Story of an Hour” tackles crucial issues involved in the interrelation of female independence, love, and marriage. She portrays a clear-cut picture of women’s struggles within a patriarchal society. Throughout the text, Chopin attempts to depict the male-dominated society in which women’s overall independence was suppressed by males. She uses satire to compare her illness and weakness to the unworthy role of women in the American society. Mrs. Mallard, the protagonist, is introduced as a sad and depressed housewife. As she appears as a character that is oppressed by many elements. Firstly, her heart trouble which keeps her out from society and makes her powerless to take control over her own life. Another reason is the suppression of her husband, highlighting that women, in that period, were prisoners of marriage. Also, finding her happiness out of her husband’s death shows how women were submissive to their husbands during that period. Chopin gives an indication of how Mrs. Mallard suffers as a housewife, raising the idea that a women’s life may be better without marriage. In fact, that notion was not common in this period. Since women were second-class citizens and stereotyped, they were expected to remain at home, caring for their husbands and children. Moreover, They were depending on their husbands and fathers to support them financially. Women were restricted to some rules that did not allow them to have a separate identity, That is to say their own identities were defined by their husbands. This is why Louis Mallard felt free and kept whispering “ Free! Body and soul free" ( Chopin 4), implying how she felt controlled by her husband. Chopin published a work, that is to say, spoke loud against the traditional role of women in society.

         In conclusion, Chopin, undoubtedly, provided an extended explanation of how women were suffering, especially in this time in America. By portraying Mrs. Mallard’s struggle, Chopin created, for her readers, a first-of-its-kind experience to perceive the feelings of some women who used to live at that time. 



Works Cited

 Feminist View of Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour". Owlcation, MAR9, 2018, https://owlcation.com/humanities/Feminist-View-of-Kate-Chopins-Story-of-an-Hour. 

"Kate Chopin’s “The Story Of An Hour”: A Critical Perspective Essay". Studyfy, O
ct 06, 2020, https://studyfy.com/essay-samples/kate-chopins-the-story-of-an-hour-a-critical-perspective. 

“Sociological Criticism: Kate Chopin’s The Story of An Hour”. BIPPER MEDIA, https://bippermedia.com/kate-chopic-story-of-an-hour/.





Comments

  1. Salma RedaNovember 5, 2021 at 10:59 AM

    I am really curious about why Chopin wrote this in a subtle manner without directly indicating the kind of abuse Mrs. Mallard went through. As a reader, I felt confused and uncertain about my judgement, as Mrs. Mallard depiction of her emotions could be misleading. I think we need another version of this story written from a male perspective.

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    Replies
    1. Sarah HagarNovember 5, 2021 at 11:33 AM

      I totally agree with you as this story is really confusing. Kate Chopin does not reveal many reasons behind Mrs. Mallard’s sadness or depression. But at the end of the day, I think everyone who read this story draws a conclusion that women were suffering during that time.

      Delete
  2. FarahemadNovember 5, 2021 at 12:41 PM

    I think Mrs.Mallard says this significant quote” Free, free, free” to highlight the usage of marriage as a social tool of controlling American women during that time.

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    1. Sarah HagarNovember 5, 2021 at 1:05 PM

      Outstanding opinion! I guess that is why Chopin does not concentrate on the relationship between Mrs. Mallard and her husband to highlight, in general, the oppression and inequality faced by women during that time.

      Delete
  3. Mariam Mohamed HosnyNovember 5, 2021 at 1:48 PM

    Mrs. Mallard seems to have struggles with the rules constructed by her society. Thus, feeling injustice in the expectation that her life is dictated by the will of her husband and living her dream life after his death, are expected outcomes for her rejection to abide by those said rules.

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    Replies
    1. Sarah HagarNovember 5, 2021 at 1:55 PM

      It is absolutely one of the prominent themes that represents clearly how the American society, decades ago, was a patriarchal society.

      Delete
  4. Fatema MuhammadNovember 5, 2021 at 2:13 PM

    I guess Mrs. Mallard’s happiness by her husband death shows how women were put under pressure by their husbands and the society.

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    1. Sarah HagarNovember 5, 2021 at 2:23 PM

      Yes, totally agree with you!
      There is a lot of tension between Mrs. Mallard and her husband, and it reached its peak when she died because of his return.

      Delete

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