The Story of an Hour

Kate Choplin's, "The Story of an Hour," is a short story of harsh irony. As the story unfolds; it is an emotional rollercoaster. The story deals with real issues such as life, death, marriage and freedom.

Louise and Brently Mallard's lives would change forever in just sixty minutes. The freedom would alter their marriage and personal relationships. Brently's friend, Richards, came across an article in a newspaper with his name in it, written above it was "killed". Brently was killed in a disastrous railroad accident. Richards and Josephine (Louise's sister) were at the Mallard's home to break the news to Louise. Once they told her the news, she is filled with grief and shock. She is beside herself and in deep thought in her room, thinking about the death of her husband and an end of their marriage.

Louise's marriage was complicated and lacked love at times. She felt her marriage was restricting and repressing. Louise was reminiscing on how difficult it was to love her husband and how demanding their marriage was. She stares out the window and sees the positive in the negative situation. She along with nature has experienced new life and hasbeen rejuvinated by the spring season. She realizes death is the birth of her new found freedom. She can look forward to tomorrow and not feel obligated or imposed by his will in her activities. Mrs. Mallard relaxes and is comforted by being "free,free,free!"

She is prepared to confront death at the funeral and eager to start her new life. As she comes to terms, she is interrupted by her sister, Josephine. She is concerned that she will make herself ill. However, it is the exact opposite, she is full of joy and life.