Independence In Kate Chopin's The Story Of An Hour

In Kate Chopin’s, “The Story of An Hour,” the speaker focuses on a woman’s perspective in marriage to illustrate that dependence on a man does not always prove to be satisfactory, rather, independence can lead to true fulfillment. Mrs. Mallard, the main character in the story, recently receives news that her husband had passed away. Though she is shocked with devastation, she later reflects on the result of the event--her opportunity for freedom-- and constantly says, “free, free, free!” In the time period this takes place, the late 1800s, women are usually dependent on men. Because of this dependence, women are limited to living a life they want to live. They are bounded by the responsibilities of being a wife and mother, unable to pursue other endeavors. With Mrs. Mallard’s …show more content…
Mallard, she can now pursue her own goals and make decisions for herself. She does not have to listen to the voice of a man; she can finally listen to her own. Her independence gave her such joy that she hoped that, “life might be long,” even though before she was uneasy that her life might be dreadfully long with her husband. Not many women are given an opportunity for independence. Though miserable, most tend to stay in the marriage for the sake of their reputation. Women are usually frowned upon when leaving a man, but because the husband of Mrs. Mallard had passed away, her reputation is preserved, making it much easier for her to live a fulfilling life. This causes her to hope for a long life, since this is the only chance she will get to be independent. Unfortunately, Brently Mallard, her husband, is found alive, causing her to die “of heart disease--of the joy that kills.” Though it is assumed that she was slightly relieved that he is alive, she was devastated that her one chance for freedom was taken away so quickly. It is the joy that was taken away from her that killed her. This proves that dependence on a man cannot truly satisfy a woman like independence