“The Story of an Hour” consists of two main characters. The main characters are Louise Mallard and Brently Mallard. The two are married and have a relationship that fits in with the time period. During the 1800s the husband expects the wife to do “wife jobs” and the wife must respect the husband. Understandably, Louise Mallard constantly feels burdened to live up to her husband’s unrealistic expectations. She does not realize it, but she longs for freedom to do what her heart desires. Louise’s relationship with Brently is like being trapped in a cage. She is described as “young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression…” (Chopin). Clearly she is beautiful, but she looks old due to her husband’s constant suppression. …show more content…
Paragraph four says, “…facing the open window…” This symbolizes freedom to the suppression Louise Mallard has been facing her whole life. Multiple times throughout the story Louise says, “Free, free, free…” She is clearly overjoyed to be free from her husband holding her back. Because this story was written during the late 1800s, women’s suppression was normal. It is unorthodox that Louise is recognizing her newborn freedom.
The theme in “Desiree’s Baby” is also the suppression of women. Desiree is constantly being pushed into the shadows by her husband. When the passage says, “she called to him…but he did not notice,” it shows what little importance Desiree has to Armand. Again he ignores her when the passage says, “…hoping he would call her back…He did not answer her.” Armand never listens to anything Desiree has to say, let alone acknowledge it. Armand suppressed Desiree by disregarding all she said; he considered it …show more content…
Desiree lives with her husband in a dreary little town. The story says, “…she shuddered at the sight of it, as she always did. It was a sad looking place…” (Chopin). This description of setting creates a disturbing tone. This relates to the plot because Armand and Desiree are in conflict for over half the story. The story also occurs in the 1800s when women were expected to be housewives. This influences the story because Armand clearly has more power over Desiree. The time period makes their relationship more understandable. Desiree lives in the South, where slavery is prominent. This relates the story because the overruling conflict is about the child being black.
The setting of “A Pair of Silk Stockings” creates a luxurious ambiance throughout the story. Mrs. Sommers is trying multiple new activities that lift the spirits in the story. The setting of each activity creates excitement for both the reader and Mrs. Sommers. The setting takes place all over town, and it is also during the 1800s. Because Mrs. Sommers is a woman in the 1800s, it creates controversy about her whereabouts. Women would have been expected to buy the family clothes and food with the money. Because she spent it on herself the setting influences the characteristics of Mrs.