My global issue is: The constraints that come as a product of marriage, and how that

limits ones individual liberties. Specifically, how does being forced into a marriage affect
ones mental health.

Subject:
Chopin illustrates the changes in mental health and well being of the woman, as the
dominant male force in her life is removed. This theme is reoccurring in A story of an
hour, the storm and at the cadian ball, to name but a few of Chopins works.

“A story of an hour” discusses how the absence of a male partner in marriage during the
19th century, provids extensive freedom to the woman in comparison to when they are
bound by matrimony. In this story, the death of Louis Mallards’ husband to a railroad
accident provides her with this newfound sense of freedom. The entire story recollects
solemnly, the love Mrs. Mallard feels for her husband, stating, “She had loved him”, and
that, “She would weep again.” This solemnity changes drastically as Mrs. Mallard
triumphantly proclaims herself, “Free”. This expression of internal dilemma and eventual
self justice, is highlighted by Mallard’s emotions, similarly to that in the storm and at the
cadian ball.
Analysis:
The story of an hour greatly illustrates the harsh reality of the lives of women during the
19th century, as is encapsulated by Louis in this short story. Throughout her multiple
short stories, Chopin implements numerous stylistic devices to convey these struggles
within women. Abrupt changes in emotion and tone depict the immediate changes in
Mallards attitude, her tone shifting quickly from remorseful to excited. Story of an hour
shows this internal conflicti and change in emotion drawn quite literally as a story of an
hour.

Mrs Mallard states she is, “Drinking in a very elixir of life” when referring to the emotions
that have flooded her, leading her sister to be concerned that she is falling ill. This elixir
of life is a symbol for all that has been denied of her in her years of matrimony. The
connotation of her drinking this elixir implies that she is now completely and joyously
filled with life, connecting to when she states she is free, body and soul free! Her
welcoming of personal freedom provides a csense of irony, in the fact that she has only
acquired personal liberty, at the cost of losing her husband. A theme repeated in both A
cadian ball and the storm.

Chopin utilizes words such as, “Gray and dead”, and “Long procession” to both personify
her emotions towards her late matrimony, and further emphasize her excitement for her
new life. She describes her husbands face and fixed gray and dead, as if to imply that the
entirety of her marriage was just that, and provided her with no excitement or willingness
to love. Chopin conveys that Mrs Mallard's marriage was a long wait, and although not
shown, Mrs Mallard has desired for this moment for a long time. The use of time as a
catalyst is once again seen in the storm.

Chopins precise word choice is used to illustrate the disgust that remains in Louise's
mind following Mr Mallards death. The oxymoron, “Blind persistence”, illustrates the
indignation she feels towards any human male or female trapped within a marriage and
denied their freedoms. Louis’ noting that this has been imposed upon her, perhaps
suggests the relationship was less loving than she remembers it to be, and the feelings
of remorse have come purely as a result of death.

Chopin uses the word, “Possession” as a metaphor for the position of not only Louis, but
all women within marriage during the 19th century. Early in the passage, Louis senses a
“Thing” begin to possess her, in reference to the realization of her impending freedom.
Chopin repeatedly referencing possession, in order to depict that although she gained
some sense of freedom, she will always be in someone's possession due to the
patriarchal dominance that exists in society around her. She is no longer the ‘Possession’
of Mr Mallard, but she is now the possession of society, who often demoralizes and
develops opinions of widowed women. Yes she is free, but to what extent? Recurring
theme of possession can be found in both a cadian ball and the storm.

Mallards attitude is seen to change very quickly as she questions if she truly loved him,
only to shrug off the thought as it of no significance to her now. Her self autonomy is
reflected in this statement, suggesting this is been how Louis has been living her entire
life. Chopin juxtaposes ideas such as, “Prays” and shudders, to illustrate how she is both
solemn and satisfied with her husbands death, and eager yet fearful for the years that
await her. This juxtaposition proves that she is still very much so internally conflicted with
her feelings towards the passing of Mr Mallard.

The mental transition of Louis Mallard is shown in the story of an hour, as she transitions
from being oppressed under patriarchal dominance, to a new life of freedom following
the death of her husband.