Daniel Deneau’s criticism over “The story of an Hour,” proposes that Louise Mallard experienced something ecstatic, physical, and spiritual. Deneau quotes Kate Chopin when explaining the changes Louise Mallard felt since she learned of her husband’s death. Daniel Deneau has some valid points regarding what Louise Mallard experienced however, I disagree with some aspects of his argument.
Deneau explains the ecstatic experience Louise Mallard felt as being a great shock. The author states, “All readers should agree, Louise Mallard receives a great shock, goes through a rapid sequence of reactions, is in a sense of awakened and then seems to drink in ‘a very elixir of life’ (354), and finally receives another shock, a reversal, which proves lethal” …show more content…
According to the text, “For me, two possibilities exist-both supernatural-of which, time after time, I am reminded as I contemplate the passage: one is classical, pagan; the other, Christian” (Deneau 132). The author explains what his belief of the spirit means, which for him it is something religious. Deneau states, “Thus, I am also reminded of the descent of the Christian Holy Spirit, who is associated with conception, renewal, empowerment, inspiration, enlightenment, and freedom” (Deneau 132). I agree on the idea that Louise Mallard experienced “freedom” and “empowerment” however, I do not agree on the idea that it was the Holy Spirit. Louise Mallard experienced a huge relief of pressure in which Kate Chopin explains brilliantly as a spirit entering her presence. Deneau quotes Chapin, “She said it over and over under her breath: ‘Free, free, free!’ The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes” (Deneau 131). Louise Mallard was in shock to find out her husband had died, but once it went through her head she realized that she would finally be able to live her life as she pleased. As she realized the outcome of this event it seemed as she received a spiritual
Deneau explains the ecstatic experience Louise Mallard felt as being a great shock. The author states, “All readers should agree, Louise Mallard receives a great shock, goes through a rapid sequence of reactions, is in a sense of awakened and then seems to drink in ‘a very elixir of life’ (354), and finally receives another shock, a reversal, which proves lethal” …show more content…
According to the text, “For me, two possibilities exist-both supernatural-of which, time after time, I am reminded as I contemplate the passage: one is classical, pagan; the other, Christian” (Deneau 132). The author explains what his belief of the spirit means, which for him it is something religious. Deneau states, “Thus, I am also reminded of the descent of the Christian Holy Spirit, who is associated with conception, renewal, empowerment, inspiration, enlightenment, and freedom” (Deneau 132). I agree on the idea that Louise Mallard experienced “freedom” and “empowerment” however, I do not agree on the idea that it was the Holy Spirit. Louise Mallard experienced a huge relief of pressure in which Kate Chopin explains brilliantly as a spirit entering her presence. Deneau quotes Chapin, “She said it over and over under her breath: ‘Free, free, free!’ The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes” (Deneau 131). Louise Mallard was in shock to find out her husband had died, but once it went through her head she realized that she would finally be able to live her life as she pleased. As she realized the outcome of this event it seemed as she received a spiritual