In Kate Chopin’s Story of an Hour, the reader is exposed to a marriage that took place in 1894. In 2002 the definition of marriage is very different from what it meant to be married in 1894. In over a hundred years since this story was written marriage has transformed significantly. The beliefs associated with marriage either no longer exist or are not as significant as they once were in 1894.
When Louise Mallard is informed that her husband has past away she appears to be devastated by the news, but when left alone she is overwhelmed with joy. She dies immediately after realizing that her husband is still alive. This story would not be probable in the 21st century because women are able to maintain their individuality and are not forced to succumb to the demands a husband may put on his wife. For example, the number of women in the workforce continues to increase significantly and some women have even chosen to keep their maiden name instead of replacing it with their husband’s last name. In any case if she di
The repression that Louise felt during her marriage is still experienced by women today. This repression is evident in Chopin’s references to her. In the opening paragraphs before Louise is informed of her husband’s death she is referred to as Mrs. Mallard or as she, it is only after she has recognized the height of her apparent freedom that she is referred to as Louise. Today it still seems normal for a wife to assume her husband’s name in marriage and in time become the property of him, but it cannot be ignored that a certain part of the self is lost. This woman is very in tune with this loss and even though her love for her husband keeps her from it, the freedom she feels when she thinks he is dead becomes unavoidable and enjoyable.
d not love him anymore because of other reasons she would be permitted to get a divorce. Divorce was socially unacceptable in Chopin’s time but occurs in half of all marriages in the 21st century.
Chopin depicts marriage in the last 19th century in an unfavorable li