The protagonists of Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” and Charlotte Perkins Gillman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” are both women searching for their own versions of freedom. The main character in each story believes freedom exists, but they have not experienced it themselves. The unnamed narrator of “The Yellow Wallpaper” (Jane) is suffering from post-partum depression after childbirth, and is forced by her husband-doctor to be in total isolation. This drives her to suicidal thoughts, but through these thoughts she understands what freedom is. Louise hears of her husband’s death and, while mourning, finds solace in that she can finally live her own life. Although Jane and Louise are finding their freedom in very different ways, they are
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While Gilman creates a shadow to assist in the storytelling process, Chopin creates beautiful imagery of nature while Louise is going through the five stages of grief.
Even though it takes Louise only an hour to go through all five stages, the imagery tells a story by itself. Gilman’s protagonist is experiencing a much more devastating kind of grief. In a time in her life when she should not be alone, that is all anyone will give her. These women are alone, and just as the emptiness starts to consume them, they begin to see the light. Jane loves to write, and it seems to calm her nerves a bit. She is worried that if her husband or his sister finds her writing, they will take it away. “I must not let her find me writing.” “I verily believe she thinks it is the writing that made me sick.” (Gilman 555). The loneliness is affecting Jane more than she knew. “I cry at nothing, and cry most of the time.” (Gilman 555). Louise’s grief hit her so fast and hard that she became physically exhausted from it all. Just as soon as the exhaustion sank it completely, she sees “the tops of trees all aquiver with new spring life.” (Chopin 1156). She is realizing that she will now be able to live her own life as she sees fit. “She would live for herself.” (Chopin 1157). She is no longer trapped in marriage. “She was drinking in a very elixir of life.” (Chopin 1157). While the fresh air is bringing Mrs. Mallard to life, the writing is making Jane feel
While Gilman creates a shadow to assist in the storytelling process, Chopin creates beautiful imagery of nature while Louise is going through the five stages of grief.
Even though it takes Louise only an hour to go through all five stages, the imagery tells a story by itself. Gilman’s protagonist is experiencing a much more devastating kind of grief. In a time in her life when she should not be alone, that is all anyone will give her. These women are alone, and just as the emptiness starts to consume them, they begin to see the light. Jane loves to write, and it seems to calm her nerves a bit. She is worried that if her husband or his sister finds her writing, they will take it away. “I must not let her find me writing.” “I verily believe she thinks it is the writing that made me sick.” (Gilman 555). The loneliness is affecting Jane more than she knew. “I cry at nothing, and cry most of the time.” (Gilman 555). Louise’s grief hit her so fast and hard that she became physically exhausted from it all. Just as soon as the exhaustion sank it completely, she sees “the tops of trees all aquiver with new spring life.” (Chopin 1156). She is realizing that she will now be able to live her own life as she sees fit. “She would live for herself.” (Chopin 1157). She is no longer trapped in marriage. “She was drinking in a very elixir of life.” (Chopin 1157). While the fresh air is bringing Mrs. Mallard to life, the writing is making Jane feel