An Open Window In Kate Chopin's The Story Of An Hour

426 Words1 Page

In the short story “The Story of an Hour,” author Kate Chopin incorporates an open window with new spring life in view to illustrate how a repressive marriage causes one’s sense of freedom to vanquish. Despite being in a despairful moment, Mrs. Mallard puts aside the bereavement, as the open window allows the main character to confront her feelings and discover a liberation from a restrictive marriage. Upon hearing the news of her husband’s death, Mrs. Mallard retreats to her room in despair while glimpsing at the life outside her open window, finding beyond grief a possibility for freedom. Louise believes the marriage with her husband Brently hinders her independency as a woman. When she gazes into the far landscapes with immersing thoughts, …show more content…

Mallard, “saw beyond that long bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely” (Chopin 2). Functioning as her aspiration for freedom, the open window instills a bright prospect of life to Louise–a life without responsibilities as a wife and where will is no longer being constrained by another. The open window and her inconsistent love for Brently contribute to her discovery of life’s jubilences. Mrs. Mallard, in the end, accepts the chance at living her life as an independent woman, as she finds herself liberated from marriage’s imprisonment. Due to the newfound attainment of freedom, Mrs. Mallard yearns for a longer life in hopes that nothing will constrain her independency. Louise is capable of regarding possibilities that are competent of letting her enjoy them in midst of grief. Unfortunately, Louise passes away once discovering that she is not able to achieve her desired lifestyle. Yearning to continue living life in glory, Mrs. Mallard desires to live longer, as, “she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window” (Chopin 2). Providing her a clear view of the plentiful delights in which awaits, the open window establishes an innate desire within Mrs.

Open Document