Tako Menabde

The Story of an Hour

The Story of an Hour has been strongly linked with the ideals of the women’s liberation
movement of the 1960’s when feminists took a stand to fight to give women more freedom in
America. The reason “The Story of an Hour” was an important piece of literary work at this
time was because of its radical story. In the story, this housewife who has been confined to
the social norms of the obedient wife, has an unorthodox reaction to the death of her
husband she anticipates her newfound freedom from the suppression of the husband, of men
and becomes invigorated by it. This idea is one of the key values of the bus The Story of an
Hour” was an important work to show a woman’s break from the norm of society.

The idea of Marriage Vs. Freedom is a growing theme in modern American Women Writing
during Kate Chopin’s time. The idea that women can look beyond marriage as their lifelong
goal to achieve is a teetering idea for women seeking independence.

1. Mrs. Louise Mallard

Mrs. Louise Mallard is the protagonist of the story. She introduced as being “afflicted with a
heart trouble”, which is who great care is taken in telling her of her husband’s death. She
mour her husband, but then begins to feel relieved and liberated. Mrs. Mallard believes that
both women and men limit each other in matrimony. She does not express any apparent ill-
will against Mr. Mallard and has even admitted to loving him at some points. Due to its
structure as telling the situation within an hour’s time, no background information is given
about Mr. and Mrs. Mallard’s relationship. The story is not about the husband being abusive
to his wife or vice-versa. Instead, it focuses on the individual’s inner desires for freedom. The
point of view of The Story of an Hour is that of the wife. Louise’s desire for freedom far
exceeds her love for him a controversial idea that goes against the norms of society. She
would rather live freely than be in a marriage that subjects her to domesticity. “There would
be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women
believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a follow-creature”.

2. Mr. Brently Mallard

Mr. Brently Mallard is the husband of Louise Mallard. He is assumed dead until the end of
the story when it is revealed that the news of his death was a mistake. While we do not
really meet him or learn much about him, it is assumed he is the typical husband of the time
period. He is out working and travelling, with his wife home caring for his home.
 3. Josephine

Josephine is Louise’s sister who tells Louise of her husband’s death. She embodies the
feminine ideals of the time, acting as the picture perfect wife figure. She is overly concerned
about her sister because according to the standards of the time, she feels this should ruin her
world. Through her, we see the norms of the time period contrasted to the rebellious
reaction of Louise.

4. Richards

Richards is Mr. Mallard’s friend and is the first person to hear of Brently’s death, coming
over to inform Louise safely. He represents the standard image and expectations of the man
during the time period responsible for protecting women. However, he fails which could
have been a bit controversial for the time period.