Why Is Mrs. Mallard Important In The Story Of An Hour

“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin is an example of a modern short story. This story contains four criteria of a modern short story such as subtle characterization, facts and psychological truths, revelation, and dramatic irony. Subtle characterization is the first criterion used in this story rather than having a fast-paced plot. In “The Story of an Hour” we learn small details about Mrs. Mallard such as “knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble” which is important as the story continues. This detail plays a role in possibly foreshadowing what will come of Mrs. Mallard at the very end of the story. We also learn that she is “young” with a “calm face” and has a “dull stare in her eyes” after discovering that her husband has died. By describing some characteristics of Mrs. Mallard we as the readers are able to create a better visual mental image of her. The story has a slice-of-life format as it focuses on a daily life perspective rather than digging deeper into the characters lives. Next, we have the story implying information about Mrs. Mallard rather than stating facts and psychological truths. During …show more content…
Mrs. Mallard has a grand revelation after discovering her husband has died and she begins to feel joyous. Within the story, it says, “She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance.”, which I feel is the beginning of her revelation. This quote shows how she doesn’t mind the death of her husband as much as someone typically would after losing a person they care about. Later on amidst her revelation, she “saw beyond that bitter moment” and looked forward to the “years to come that would belong to her absolutely”. When “she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome” she seems to reach the peak of her revelation by allowing her thoughts to envelope her