Kate Chopin Oppression

Dating back to the French Revolution, the political and social issues of inequality - including distinction of social class, race, and gender - have inspired some of the most well known female writers. One of the most argued issue within literature since then have been about oppression of females in society, which led to a worldwide movement known as feminism. The new movement made its way into literary works rather quickly. Literary works served as a medium for the women of that time to express emotions and distress. Often, such writings enable the reader to become more knowledgeable of the oppression these women faced. However, these writings were considered unacceptable by the male dominated society; many saw them as scandalous and morally loose. Story of An Hour, written by well known writer and feminist Kate Chopin, is one of many short stories to portray the oppression of women.
This main character of the short story is a woman named Louise Mallard. She receives news that her husband, Brently Mallard, had passed due to a train wreck. In the time span of one hour, Louise Mallard’s life begins …show more content…
Nevertheless, she manifests her joy publicly; “there was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory” (Chopin). Kate Chopin writes that there would no longer be another person for Louise to live for; “she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon” someone (Chopin). Mrs. Mallard is a symbol of what happens in that society. The men can go outside, work, study and do everything that they want. In contrast, the women must remain at home. As the result, she tries to break the condition, and she overwhelmingly embraces her freedom. However, the masculinity triumphs as usual as the short story