Mrs Mallard Character Analysis

Kate Chopin’s The Story of An Hour was published in 1894. During this period, there was a shift in the role that women were expected to fulfill. Women were expected to cater to their husbands and create a happy household for them. Married women were not “allowed” to have interests or hobbies that did not pertain to the household or the marriage. During this time, women who were single grew independence and freedom by straying away from marriage. The setting of The Story of An Hour was unspecified, however, the reader can infer that it took place in the 1800s or when women were socially viewed as inferior to men. The reader can also infer that all of the events that occurred in the story happened within one hour. (According to the title). The …show more content…
All but one of the characters are flat. Mrs. Mallard is the only round character, she is described as a strong, and young married woman with fair skin and a calm face. The static characters are Mrs. Mallard’s sister Josephine, Mr. Brent Mallard, and Mr. Mallard’s friend, Richards. The static characters were not described much. However, each character was essential in the story. It is revealed to the reader that Mrs. Mallard is the main character. Her feelings, and thoughts were expressed throughout the story. Mrs. Mallard was overwhelmed with many feelings of guilt, she loved her husband (most of the time), but Mr. Mallard’s death allowed her to feel free & liberated. Mrs. Mallard’s background reveals that her marriage made her feel bonded, and inferior. As a result, the reader can infer that Mrs. Mallard died from the shock and disappointment of realizing that her husband was still alive, and that her freedom no longer …show more content…
Newfound freedom can be scary at first, however, it should be welcomed. When freedom is taken away from oneself, it can be devastating. Mrs Mallard’s thoughts and feelings of being powerless, and confined were exposed throughout the story. The death of her husband gave her a newfound freedom that she feared at first. Then she grew to accept it and it made her feel relaxed and content. Mr. & Mrs. Mallard both change in significant ways throughout the story. Mrs. mallard is saddened due to the death of her husband. On the contrary, she was fearful of being free from the bondage of a man. The idea that she could live the rest of her days without being in the shadows of her husband was scary. She then began to accept her newfound freedom, and she liked the idea of it and wished for many more days of life so that she could enjoy her days of living for herself. Upon learning that her husband was still alive, she was horrified at the fact that her freedom was taken away and died