Symbols always play a big role that is hidden within an essay or even in reality it helps the reader either foreshadow or have a better understanding of the plot of the story or even the character. The definition of a symbol according to the website Literary Devices it states, "Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another to give it an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant." In The Story of an Hour, the story holds many hidden symbols within the text that represents many ideas. The three main symbols that hold the …show more content…
Mallard" one day finds out her husband died in a railroad disaster. In many cases the wife would collapse of sadness and misery. The complete opposite happened in this case, instead she was filled with joy! The first thing she did was go into her room and looked out her open window with a different joyous perspective. In this story the window symbolizes freedom. In the story, "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin it says, " When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!"(Chopin)." While looking out the window she was observing every detail she saw in everyday life as if she saw it with another pair of eyes. She was looking at the beauty of life, in a freeway …show more content…
Mallard never died from a railroad disaster. He arrived home when he heard his wives terrifying screams coming from the bedroom. He ran to her but it was too late, she died. The doctor pronounced she died from heart disease. The heart disease is yet another symbol that was disguised within the text. In the article "The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin: A Critical Analysis of the Emotional Theme " It claims, "The shock that kills her, must then, be the realization that she lost this freedom, and with it her human individuality (The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin: A Critical Analysis of the Emotional Theme." The heart disease symbolized her broken heart. Heart disease is usually chronic meaning it happens slowly over time. This means this has been happening slowly to Mrs. Mallard. Her heart was literally breaking over time for some unknown cause of her marriage to Mr. Mallard. When she heard the "great" news of her husband, her heart could not take her over whelming joy. She finally greeted her end, her serenity of peace and