In Kate Chopin’s short story, The Story of an Hour, the most prominent theme seems to be the nature of marriage, while subtly highlighting the importance of freedom and independence. Chopin’s plot is set in the late 1800s, a time of great gender inequality leading to oppressive and unhappy marriages (specifically from the woman’s end), which in itself brings out the message of the story extensively. The plot of the story revolves around a woman (Mrs. Mallard) whose husband has just died, and as the story progresses, readers see Mrs. Mallard come to terms with her husband’s death, as well as celebrate her liberation (from her husband). The plot itself highlights the oppressive nature of marriage, for her newfound freedom makes Mrs. Mallard drunk
