It is important to note that “The Story of an Hour,” written by Kate Chopin, is an example of classical storytelling embedded in the reflection of the societal forces, assumptions, constructs, and context. In sum, the story focuses on the Mallard family, where the husband is presumed to be dead, which leads to the emotional transformation of the wife, Louise Mallard, who dies after the husband arrives unharmed. The work is still relevant to society today because it reflects the restricted and constrained state of freedom and rights of women.
One of the key themes and morals of the story revolves around the notion of freedom, which is achieved through the death of a loved one. Although Louise Mallard was initially upset by the death of her husband, she felt liberated and free because of it. The author wrote that “when she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under the breath: ‘free, free, free!’” (Chopin para. 10). In other words, the protagonist finally realized that she is no longer attached or restrained by her husband, which leads to her experiencing a sense of relief and joy. Many women today still feel oppressed and repressed by the modern societal rules, where their rights are minimized, such as reproductive rights.
In conclusion, Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” is an outstanding piece of literature that has relevance today when it comes to women’s rights and freedom. The restricting factor might not be necessarily evil or ill-intentional, but the removal of such a barrier provides liberty to them. Therefore, it is critical to provide women with more freedom without demonizing those who hinder the process.
Work Cited
Chopin, Kate. “The Story of an Hour.” Archive VCU, 1894.