Story Of An Hour Literary Analysis Essay

Freedom can be costly, but it is symbolically like an open window. Looking out, things are seen as a wide variety of opportunities just within reach. In Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” Louise Mallard is internally conflicted with her desire for freedom from her husband because she desperately seeks self-assertion, happiness, and an overall escape. As she looks out her window, she sees all of this right in front of her. Upon hearing of her husband’s death, Louise Mallard experienced grief, “but she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely” (14). Louise, in her marriage, felt confined and in restraint of living her life to the fullest, so consequently she was put into an authoritative state whenever her husband’s death was disclosed to her. Her inner battle of having to bend to the will of her husband or even sharing love between them is trumped by being able to better serve herself, and only herself. She wondered “what could love, the unsolved mystery, count for in face of this possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being” (14)! Louise Mallard wanted to be in control of her life. It was of her deepest desire to call every single one of her shots, and not have to be imposed upon with her husband’s

Mallard’s happiness is characterized by the newfound freedom of being a widow. As she abandoned the grieving and welcomed the independence, “her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body” (14). She was able to compose herself and collect her thoughts about previous events that can now affect her future happiness. For example, an indication of the relief described is illustrated with how “her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her” (14). Louise Mallard was looking progressively towards the approaching days of free life, and she saw those days full of