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  • Essay / Analysis of Symbolism in The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

    The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin is one of the interesting stories that I have ever read in my life. What I especially liked about the story is that it is full of mystery and irony as it ends with many questionable questions. Additionally, the way the writer uses symbolism in his story is remarkable. She used symbolism to reflect Mrs. Mallard's long-hidden emotions and desires toward aspects of her married life. She tried to create an image of an oppressed woman, who cannot do anything without the will of her husband and who will no longer have freedom once she enters married life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayThe first symbol I will talk about is heart disorders. In general, the heart is the symbol of the emotional core. At the very beginning of the story, the writer tells us that Mrs. Mallard suffers from heart problems. This means she has a heart condition, and indeed, it is a heart attack that kills her at the end of the story. His heart trouble symbolizes not only his emotional feelings associated with marriage, but also the problem of the breakdown of the fundamental structure of society that is marriage. As Mrs. Mallard was ill, there might have been a possibility of an argument between her and her husband. In short, by using this condition as symbolism, the writer illustrates that women of her time find themselves trapped in their married life as they lose their identity and freedom after getting married. Second, Chopin may also be using an open window as symbolism for Mme. Mallard free from marriage. When she learned of her husband's death, she cried deeply for her husband. At the same time, she was sitting in front of an open window which could be considered symbolically very important because it was presented as an open door to Mrs. Mallard's new life full of mastery. His mind is about to open to new ideas. As she sat in front of the open window, she observed life full of energy like birds singing, pieces of blue sky breaking through the clouds. Many positive images are represented using the “open window” symbol which will bring happiness. life. I think Josephine and Richard could also be symbolized as common male and female figures. They symbolize how society views widows and the influence it has over them. The writer demonstrates that she felt free at the moment, but it is society that demeans her again. As the writer said, Mrs. Mallard first feels aware of her new freedom, but then she is again faced with new repression through the reestablishment of subjugation to her husband and the company. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. custom paper now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayWhat I understand is that Kate Chopin tried to portray the image of oppressed women through her story. It also presents how the 19th century woman was stuck between her desires and societal expectations after marriage. After reading the story, it is clear that the marriage was functional, but she still appreciated the brief freedom she had when she thought her husband was gone. Moreover, she dies not only from a heart attack, but also from the deprivation of this freedom. The realization that she will have to return to a servile role and bend her will to someone else will truly kill her..