The Story of an Hour

What do you think is the larger meaning or message of the story?

The Story of an Hour was written in the context of a male-dominated society that prevailed in the late 19th century. Besides the literal message of the narrative, it is obvious that Kate Chopin was drawing upon the repressive role of women. After Louise is provoked by grief at the news of her husband's death, a sense of renewed freedom overcomes her at the thought of "years to come that would belong to her absolutely" (Chopin 298). Her delayed reaction to her husband's death reveals her inner pysche of entrapment and lost identity in regards to her marriage. I believe Chopin was shedding light on this issue of repression to express the feelings of many women of her time. The domianting power husbands had over their wives aided her their sense of lost freedom and individuality.

What are some of the symbols you notice in "The Story of an Hour?" What do these represent?

One of the most obvious symbols is the sprigtime setting outside Louise's window. The descriptions of "new spring life" in the tree tops, the twittering sparrows, and the patches of blue sky juxtaposes with the news of death. The renewing time of the year represents Louise's chance to escape from the constraints of marriage and discover a forgotten sense of freedom. Instead of anticipating a short life, she now wishes to live a long life of her own ("she was drinking in the very elixir of life through that open window.")