The Story Of An Hour And Kate Chopin's Story Of An Hour

Throughout the twentieth century, many authors wrote to invoke feminism. Prominent roles in literature have had the desired impact. At the time of the writings, men were seen in society as being superior to women. The short story “Story of an Hour”, written by Kate Chopin ;the story “Sweat”, written by Zora Neale Hurston; and the story “The Yellow Wallpaper” written by Perkins Gilman, all present characteristics which are effective to challenge women’s roles in society. These authors all exhibit the theme of confinement, the desire for independence, and the action of rebellion throughout their stories to provide an obvious message to challenge equality.
The theme of confinement is the heart of the of the stories. These women in the stories were suppressed in some way. Chopin’s “Story of an Hour” displays a women who clearly has her freedom withheld. The main character Louise Mallard receives news of her husband getting killed in a rail-road accident. Initially, she realizes her loss, but later on realizes there are now opportunities for her to live her life for herself(Chopin). This distress is implied …show more content…
Their will to be free is present in all three stories. Chopin’s story places Mrs. Mallard in a position which she seeks freedom from her husband. The moment when she’s in her room, she starts out crying but sees herself through the window, having new opportunities without oppression (Chopin). This image of her future is her desire for independence. Hurston’s story has Delia in her confined place, seeks salvation in her religious beliefs. This is evident when she mentions her church multiple times throughout the story as her safe place (Hurston 2). As with Gilman’s story, the woman sees her freedom in the wallpaper as there is a woman in the wall. This woman in the wall is herself. Not only does she see her in the walls, she sees her in the gardens walking. This vision is her desire for