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The Story of an Hour


            Breaking Through Stereotypes and Difficult Situations.
             In our society, many people tend to settle for a life less suitable then their true potential. It seems easy to take what is given and never truly aspire for more. We let situations in our life, or traits God has given us, confine us and direct our plans. In Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour,"" we learn about a woman and her acceptance of a less satisfying life. Louis Mallard leads a happy life with little troubles; but because of the expectations of a woman during the late nineteenth century, she is confined to a model life. After experiencing a tragedy, Mrs. Mallard confronts her situation and realizes her confinements; she decides not to abide by the stereotypes placed on her. Her friend's and family's opinions of her abilities and societies beliefs of a woman's role confines Louis Mallard; but after encountering the supposed death of her husband, Mrs. Mallard experiences an epiphany, and realizes she must endeavor to live her own life. One of the many themes in this story is not accepting life as it comes but directing it in a desired path. .
             Because of a heart condition, Mrs. Mallard's friends and family treat her very fragilely. Even in the case of a tragedy, they feel she is unable to handle the news and "great care [is] taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death- (Chopin 147). They view her as someone who constantly needs special attention, and they never allows her to be her own person. When she leaves their company to be alone, her sister follows saying "' Louise, open the door! I beg; open the door "you will make yourself ill.""' (149). In addition, Louis Mallard is a wife during the nineteenth century, and she is surrounded by stereotypes. During this time, women are suspected to perform duties in the home such as cleaning and cooking. They are not to have careers but let their husband work outside of the home.


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