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Themes, Foreshadowing, and Symbolism in The Story Of An Hour Essay

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Analysis A Story of an Hour

A Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin is a short story centered on the main character Mrs. Louise Mallard and her reaction to the news of the death of her husband, Brently Mallard. The news has to be delivered to Mrs. Mallard gently because she has heart problems. Upon hearing the news, Louise reacts emotionally by crying and weeping. Chopin notes in the story that her behavior is uncommon of many women, who normally react by displaying a feeling of denial or disbelief. Louise then retreats to room where she begins to explore conflicting emotions and realities of her life to be. Lets explore Chopin use of literary elements: theme, foreshadowing and symbolism.

Theme in fiction is defined as being associated with something abstract and extremely broad. The underline meaning of a story the author is trying to tell without actually stating it. The short story A Story of an Hour written by Kate Chopin was set in the 19th century with two themes: oppression and repression. Women were not viewed as equal during that time. Actually they were expected to obey their husbands, keep house, have and raise children, and cook (Wojtczak, H). This is oppression, the theme of A Story of an Hour. She said it over and over again under her breath: free, free, free!, for Kate Chopin to use these words to express Mrs. Mallards gives thought that at some point she felt bound or captured by her husband (Clugston, R.W. 2010). Mrs. Mallard became excited about only having to care for herself and herself alone which lends to the idea of repression. Because of the time she lived in her desires and needs were not important and therefore went unmet. The reader can also take from the theme of repression that Mrs. Mallards heart condition was probably caused by the stressed she felt as a women during the 19th century.

The very first sentence provided a hint of what to expect, a technique known as foreshadowing (Clugston, R.W. 2010). Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble Chopin providing that information lets the reader know the heart condition will affect the outcome of the story. Another place Chopin foreshadows or hints to whats to come is when she states that Mrs. Mallards behavior was different how other women react to this news. Hints that her emotions about her husbands death would be explored more in depth.

Reading a wonderful story is always best when the reader can relate emotionally to the contents. As I was reading Kate Chopins A Story of an Hour it became very easy for me to contact emotionally because of the abundance of symbolism. Our text defines literary symbolism as a symbol that has literal identity and stands for something; a second identity. In A Story of an Hour it was easy to recognize Mrs. Mallards feelings of new beginning and new opportunity.

Mrs. Mallard retreats to her bedroom where sits a comfortable and roomy chair which is facing an open window. The open window symbolizes and openness to change. As sits stars out the window the readers are introduced to even more symbolism the references: singing of birds and someone singing in the distance. These symbols have always defined a sense of overcoming and in this story Mrs. Mallard was celebrating freedom from the rules and duties of caring for her husband

Theme, foreshadowing and symbolism as a hold contributed to the narrative theme of A Story of an Hour. The theme, different from the plot, allow Kate Chopin to express her views about womens right and provided a clever and unveiling read to the reader. Foreshadowing provides hints and tips to the readers. This method was very successful in this short story because it kept the readers interested. Providing clues helps the readers stay engaged with the plot and theme to the end of the story. Symbolism, my favorite literary technique, breathes life into a story. It gives none living things a pulse and brings the story to life. The elements of symbolism in A Story of an Hour would have been dry and flat. In this story it helped the reader understand what Mrs. Mallard was truly feeling and expecting as she sat and stared out the open window.

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