In Kate Chopin’s short story, “The Story of An Hour,” (pg. 1175) Chopin utilizes a number of literary techniques—ranging from characterization to symbolism to point of view—in order to emphasize the negative effect of social oppression on the protagonist’s journey for self-fulfillment. Chopin’s tone is multifaceted throughout the piece, alternating between dismal, optimistic and uplifting, and bittersweet.
When the story commences, Chopin immediately paints a vivid image of the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard. Among other things, Chopin describes Louise Mallard as a “young [woman]...whose [facial] lines bespoke repression” (9), who “[weeps] at once, with sudden, wild abandonment” when she learns of her husband’s death, unlike other women (3). The highlighting of these attributes in particular primarily serves to set Mrs. Mallard apart from the average woman of her time and introduce the theme of oppression, especially in terms of marriage. Chopin portrays Louise as a passionate soul whose unique qualities and innate desires are temporarily tapered by the prevalence of the expectations of married women to be reserved and subservient in …show more content…
She is harmed more than she is helped by adjusting to social norms, for she cannot strive for and achieve her own happiness as long as she is married and therefore obligated to live by them. Furthermore, Chopin’s use of an omniscient third-person point of view gives the reader insight into Mrs. Mallard’s character and other
When the story commences, Chopin immediately paints a vivid image of the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard. Among other things, Chopin describes Louise Mallard as a “young [woman]...whose [facial] lines bespoke repression” (9), who “[weeps] at once, with sudden, wild abandonment” when she learns of her husband’s death, unlike other women (3). The highlighting of these attributes in particular primarily serves to set Mrs. Mallard apart from the average woman of her time and introduce the theme of oppression, especially in terms of marriage. Chopin portrays Louise as a passionate soul whose unique qualities and innate desires are temporarily tapered by the prevalence of the expectations of married women to be reserved and subservient in …show more content…
She is harmed more than she is helped by adjusting to social norms, for she cannot strive for and achieve her own happiness as long as she is married and therefore obligated to live by them. Furthermore, Chopin’s use of an omniscient third-person point of view gives the reader insight into Mrs. Mallard’s character and other