Hamilton 1

Lindsay Hamilton

Mr. Miles

Pre AP English

27 September, 2017

The Devastation of Joy

In, “ The Story of An Hour,” by Kate Chopin, elaborate concrete diction and natural

simple sentences are used in order to create an alleviated tone. Ultimately, this helps to portray

the concept of relief brought to Mrs. Mallard after the news of her husband’s passing.

When a loved one dies, most people are not happy about it. Chopin uses this fact of life to

create an alternate thought of relief which is something people never really think about during

death. To establish this concept, elaborate concrete diction such as, “elixir” and “illumination,” is

used to show how Mrs. Mallard’s revelations are astounding, and how alleviation is a wrong

thought to have, but to her, it doesn't feel wrong. Chopin also uses natural simple sentences like,

“But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to

her absolutely” (Chopin 11). The use of simple sentences symbolises the burden that has been

lifted off of Mrs. Mallard’s shoulders. It represents how she is not going to let grief hold her back

from living a new, liberated life.

The use of elaborate diction and simple sentences effectively add to the development of

the alleviated tone of “ The Story of An Hour.” Kate Chopin also uses Mrs. Mallard’s joy to

challenge the “normal” thoughts of devastation.