Story Of An Hour
Symbolism Found in "The Story of an Hour"
"The Story of an Hour" written by Kate Chopin tells of a woman's discovery that no amount of love and security can compensate for a lack of control over her own existence. Mrs. Mallard, molded by society, looked to be the perfect wife. However, on the inside Mrs. Mallard struggled with her marriage to Mr. Brently Mallard. Kate Chopin incorporates the use of powerful images such as a window, the spring season, and a latchkey to provide evidence of her misery.
The first major symbol in the story is the open window. After Mrs. Mallard hears of the death of her husband, "she went away to her room alone. She would have no one follow her" (Chopin 439). Upon entering the room she sat down into a "comfortable,roomy armchair" (Chopin 439). She felt "a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul" (Chopin 439). This "physical exhaustion" (Chopin 439) is symbolic of the repression imposed upon her by her husband during their marriage. As Mrs. Mallard sat in her armchair and looked out her open window,thoughts of new opportunities began to fill her mind. This open window is symbolic of her newfound freedom. "When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!"
(Chopin 439). Through this open window, Mrs. Mallard could see her future ahead of her. The open window not only symbolizes the opportunities in the years to come, but also a future of her own.
The second major symbol in the story is the spring season. The spring season of Mrs. Mallard's new beginning in life. Spring has long been associated with new life. For example, the flowers are in bloom and the animals begin mating season. Spring is like a whole new beginning. The spring symbolizes the new start to her life with out repression. Mrs. Mallard "saw beyond that bitter moment a long...
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