The Story of An Hour
The story is about the desire for freedom in marriage, and the bad end when that freedom is taken away.
Key Events
Gentle Telling
Josephine and Richards break the news of her husband's death gently due to Mrs. Mallard's heart condition. We can know that her life was restricted before.
sad
Mrs. Mallard weeps. It is a common reaction but we can see that she masks deeper emotions.
Reflection
She goes to her room alone after she sad, but she finds this is a key step for self-discovery.
Realization of Freedom
She starts whispering "free" repeatedly. From her physical state changes, we can know her self-awareness.
Vision of the Future
Mrs. Mallard finds a new future for herself, showing her new self-awareness.
Husband's Return
Brently Mallard returns and Mrs. Mallard dies when seeing him. It is because the sudden loss of freedom is too sad for her.
paragraph
"Free! Body and soul free!" she kept whispering. (Chopin 2)
This shows her realization of freedom by physically and mentally.
"There would be no powerful will bending hers..." (Chopin 2)
It shows her feeling in marriage and the importance of freedom.
Symbols
Mrs. Mallard's Demeanor Change
From sad to happy, it shows her change due to freedom.