"Story of an Hour" Commentary

“The Story of an Hour” is a startling portrayal of a woman’s awakening upon receiving news of her husband’s ‘death.’ Written in the 19th century, this was very much considered a ‘feminist’ story, as it harboured disapproving attitudes towards marriage.

In the first sentence, readers were told that the woman was (Louise Mallard) ‘afflicted with heart trouble,’ foreshadowing danger, fragility, and unwell-ness. Louise ‘did not hear the story as many women have heard the same,’ but rather, with an immediate acceptance. She mourned to her sister, as if she was mourning for show, in front of family and friends, as it was the ‘right’ way for a newly widowed woman to behave.

So far, Louise’s actions and feelings were nothing surprising. However, from the moment she entered the room, readers are at odds with the direction Chopin takes. Once alone, the reader’s expectations would be for Louise to take her anger out on the furni

That is not to say that her husband was a horrible man, or unsatisfying in any aspect. There was love, although doubtful, but, this ‘unsolved mystery’ had inhibited her. In the entire story, she was only ever referred to as ‘Mrs. Millard,’ showing her lack of identity, that people only knew her to be her husband’s wife. Louise had not been aware of this until now. The idea that her marriage was confining her existence had never crossed her mind. This epiphany overwhelmed her, letting her ‘drink in the elixir of life.’

Some topics in this essay:
Instead Louise, Louise Mallard, Story Hour”, Chopin Commentary, , joy kills’, “the story hour”, “the story, louise’s husband’s, story hour”,