Story Of An Hour Symbolism Essay

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In the short story “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, symbolism is an important feature in the development of the characters and the advancement of the plot. Since this story was rather short, Chopin relied heavily on symbolism to add depth the story. Of the symbols in the story the most notable one is the heart. The heart is an essential part of the human body. It is responsible for keeping the rest of the body functioning. And just as the heart is a vital part of life, it is also a vital part of this story. The first mention of the heart comes in the very first sentence. As Josephine breaks the news to the Mrs. Mallard about Mr. Mallard’s death, Josephine must do so with “great care” due to Mrs. Mallard’s documented heart problems (Chopin, …show more content…

Not only are Mrs. Mallard’s heart problems a physical hinder on her health, but the heart troubles expand to the emotional level. For the most part, she loved her husband. However, their marriage has taken a toll on her. After the news of her husband’s death, Mrs. Mallard’s heart is torn. She is devastated about the death of her husband but enlightened by the idea of being independent and free. As the idea of being free entered her mind the heart once again becomes the focal point of the story. After Louise continually repeats the word “free” to herself, “Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body”, expressing her desire to be independent (Chopin, 477). When someone experiences great joy it is said that they experience the warming of the heart. As soon as Mrs. Mallard thought about her newfound independence she was overcome by this warm sensation. Her heart was pumping wildly and any pain she was suffering from the loss of her husband, dissipated. Her problematic heart was now at full strength and she was relieved of any worry she once had. While her physical heart still posed a threat, she was free from her emotional

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