Theme of The Story Of An Hour Essay

The theme of The Story of an Hour

In the short story by, Kate Chopin The story of an hour Mrs. Millard experiences a life altering change after finding out her husband is killed from an awful railroad accident. Kate Chopin interpretation of Mrs. Milliard is a person who has a gentle soul with self-esteem issues. Mrs. Milliard sees her husband as an authority figure and, a individual who is controlling and manipulative in every way possible. She feels trapped in their relationship and, the only way out is either by his death or hers. The theme reflects a story about an unraveling relationship that is both co- depended and dysfunctional.

From the beginning, Kate sets the tone when describing Mrs. Millard physical condition and, state of mind. Mrs. Millard was afflicted a heart trouble. (Clugston, 2010) Upon receiving news about the death of her husband, Mrs. Millard struggles with unpredictable emotions and shows moderate reaction towards her husband death. She isolates herself from friends and family as well as, shows signs of psychological abuse. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment in her sister arm When the storm was over she went away to her room alone. (Clugston, 2010)

Kate then takes the reader on a journey and provides specific symbolic tools enabling the reader to take a deeper look in the thought of Mrs. Millards repressed issues, Except, when a sob came up into her throat and shook her, as a child who cried itself to sleep continues to sob in its dreams. (Clugston, 2010) In the paraphrase, one can begin to observe the symbolic connection between manifestation and reality. She could see in the open square before her house the tops of the trees that were all aquiver with new spring to life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air. (Clugston, 2010) One can interpret the rain and spring as a blessing to have a second chance at a new life. There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds. (Clugston, 2010) Here, Kate illustrates an impression of Mrs. Millard immediate insight; the cloudy sky with a dash of blue represents Mrs. Millard beginning to acknowledge the peacefulness in which she is about to embark upon.

Although, she can see, smell, and hear the anticipation of her break through, she continues to struggles self-consciously from the fear of the unknown. She recognizes her husbands death as a way out of her the discontented marriage and, with a sudden shift begins to feel a breathtaking burden lifted off of her. Now her bosom rose and fell tumultuously. (Clugston, 2010) After Mrs. Millard begins to come out of her repressed state, the author makes it clear that Mrs. Millard is no longer unconsciously in denial. Her instincts seek out the I.D. characteristic trait of basic survival and, enable her to release her ego I.D which influences her behavior. She is able to distinguish between rational and irrational thoughts and discharge the hurting she has endured over the years. She speaks the words that have long to escape her soul, free, free, and free. (Clugston, 2010)

Not only has her mind been freed but, the author gives a theatrical sequence of events to illustrate the connections of how the symbolic tools relates to her break- through. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body. (Clugston, 2010) After dealing with emotional distress, she confronts the issue which has brought her to her serenity in the first place, her husbands death. The author reveals the pragmatism resentfulness Mrs. Millard feels toward her husband. She indicates antagonism in a condescending manner by reliving the mental hurt her husband inflicts on her through-out their marriage. In addition, in the following statements, she breaks the shackles her mind is chained to and allows herself the freedom in which she deserves. There will be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believes they have a right to impose a private will upon. (Clugston, 2010)

However, the author expresses the weariness that a co-dependent person experience, especially after losing a love one. And yet she loved him- sometimes. (Clugston, 2010) Mrs. Millard is precocious not to plummet back into the negative emotional roller coaster, and takes a stand against her low self-esteem issues. Free! Body and soul free! She kept whispering. (Clugston, 2010) While she recovers from this toxic relationship the author leaps into the role of the antagonist character, her sister Josephine, who is portraying concern for her sister well being by the statements she makes. Louise opens the door You will make yourself ill. (Clugston, 2010) Josephine understands her sisters psychological issues but, is oblivious of her sister victorious enlightenment. In this statement, Mrs. Millard not only shows signs of a psychological recovery but, a liberating one by expressing healthy boundaries with her sister. In this paragraph, one can see she is willing to explore further development with her sister. She rose at length and opened the door to her sisters importunities. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess. She clasped her sisters waist, and together they descended the stairs. (Clugston, 2010)

As the story ends, Mrs. Millard is taken back at the sight of her husband walking through the door. She is immobilized with both triumphed and defeat and dies from over powering emotions. When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease-of joy that kills. (Clugston, 2010)

The Story of an Hour is a story with emotions and understanding. It tells a story of a woman who is suffering from a co-dependent relationship and shows signs of distress and anxiety. Mrs. Millard is a woman who is deprived of affection in her relationship by her husband accountability. It expresses controlled behavior and avoidance of feelings that those who are in toxic relationships experience. However, the words of the author expresses the passion people have for a healthier life and, make it effortless to see the practicality behind the significance of the story.

Reference

Clugston, R. W. (2010). Journey into literature. San Diego, California: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.