Story Of The Hour Mood

Author Kate Chopin remarkably captures a diverse range of moods in her exceptionally short tale, The Story of the Hour. In a small span of time, readers experience the heartache, apprehension, optimism, and hope of the main character, Louise Mallard. The murder-mystery was written in 1894, an era when oppression was a vast part of a woman’s life, and female writers courageously conveyed a message of female affliction through their written work.

The story begins by revealing Louise Mallard’s heart condition, which is promptly shadowed by the news of her husband’s death. Richards, Mr. Mallard’s best friend, was the first to hear the news of his passing. Concerned for Mrs. Mallard’s health, he first shared the misfortune with her sister Josephine, who prudently unveiled the tragedy to

A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime…” (Chopin 2).

Mrs. Mallard incessantly repressed her own feelings and interests for the sake of her husband’s wishes. This was common during this age, where women did not enjoy the same freedoms as men. The Mallard’s marriage was most likely united by suitability, and not love, at least not for Louise Mallard. She had become so predisposed to containing her feelings that she tried at first, to refrain from the delight of the freedom in which she anticipated. However, the liberty of expression was emancipating. Mrs. Mallard’s loss of her husband had become her gain; the attainment of her own identity.

Life had suddenly provided Louise Mallard with hope. It was as though she had been held captive for years, and the prison door had suddenly flung open. But, her hope was short-lived. The prison door slammed shut before she could escape. The presumed death had been a mistake; her husband was alive. Ironically, it was Mrs. Mallard who died that