Introduction
“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin and “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman are two seminal pieces of literature that delve into the lives of women facing the constraints of their society. Both texts explore themes of freedom, mental health, and the oppressive nature of marriage in the 19th century.
Chopin’s story unfolds the tale of Mrs. Louise Mallard, who experiences a complex range of emotions upon learning of her husband’s death. At the same time, Gilman’s narrative follows the descent into madness of a nameless protagonist who her husband confines for the sake of her health. Although these stories share similar themes, the authors employ distinct literary techniques to convey their messages, offering a rich ground for comparison. This essay will compare and contrast the two narratives by examining their settings, confinement, moments in the plot, use of diction, and employment of irony to reveal how each text addresses the shared themes in unique ways.
Setting
The settings in both “The Story of an Hour” and “The Yellow Wallpaper” are confined spaces that reflect the limited roles and freedoms of women during the period. In Chopin’s story, the setting is primarily Mrs. Mallard’s home, specifically her bedroom, where she retreats to process the news of her husband’s death. The room serves as a temporary sanctuary where she contemplates her newly found freedom (Chopin).
Similarly, the protagonist in “The Yellow Wallpaper” is confined to an old nursery with barred windows, which her husband believes will aid her recovery (Gilman). This setting becomes a prison that mirrors her mental captivity. Both authors use the setting to symbolize the oppression of their female characters. Still, while Chopin’s room is a place of emotional revelation, Gilman’s nursery is a space of physical and mental deterioration.
Confinement
The impact of confinement on the protagonists is a central theme in both stories, but it is portrayed differently in each text. In “The Story of an Hour,” Mrs. Mallard’s confinement is mainly internal, as she experiences a range of emotions and conflicting thoughts within the confines of her home. Her sudden realization of freedom and subsequent death upon seeing her husband alive again demonstrate the psychological toll of confinement and the denial of selfhood. The story employs dramatic irony to underscore the protagonist’s desire for independence and the tragic consequences of her confinement.
On the other hand, “The Yellow Wallpaper” showcases the protagonist’s descent into madness as a result of her physical and emotional confinement. The first-person narrative allows readers to witness the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state and the hallucinations she experiences as a result of her enforced isolation. The story highlights the detrimental effects of confinement on women’s mental health and well-being.
Plot Moment
A pivotal moment in “The Story of an Hour” occurs when Mrs. Mallard, alone in her room, whispers, “Free, free, free!” after grappling with the shock of her husband’s supposed demise (Chopin). This moment of epiphany contrasts sharply with a key scene in “The Yellow Wallpaper,” where the protagonist begins to perceive a woman trapped within the patterns of the wallpaper, symbolizing her entrapment (Gilman). While Mrs. Mallard envisions a future of self-determination, Gilman’s character becomes increasingly obsessed with the wallpaper, her sense of reality blurring. Both authors present moments where the characters confront their perception of freedom, yet they do so with contrasting outcomes—one towards self-actualization, the other towards madness.
Diction
Chopin’s choice of words in “The Story of an Hour” conveys a sense of cautious optimism. Words such as “free,” “open,” and “spring” suggest rebirth and possibility. In contrast, Gilman’s diction in “The Yellow Wallpaper” is claustrophobic and intense, with frequent references to the “creeping” woman and the oppressive patterns of the wallpaper. The diction in both texts serves to underscore the emotional states of the characters and their respective journeys—Mrs—Mallard’s brief flight from oppression and the narrator’s descent into insanity.
Irony
Irony plays a significant role in both stories, highlighting the tragic realities faced by the protagonists. In “The Story of an Hour,” the ultimate irony is Mrs. Mallard’s death from a heart attack upon her husband’s return, leading observers to mistakenly conclude she died from “joy that kills.” On the other hand, the irony in “The Yellow Wallpaper” lies in the treatment prescribed to cure the narrator’s condition, which ultimately exacerbates her mental illness. Both authors skillfully employ irony to critique societal norms and the medical establishment’s misunderstanding of women’s needs.
Conclusion
While “The Story of an Hour” and “The Yellow Wallpaper” share themes of female oppression and the quest for freedom, K. Chopin and C. Perkins Gilman approach these themes through markedly different narrative techniques. The contrast in settings, depicting confinement, pivotal plot moments, diction, and use of irony illuminates the unique struggles faced by women in the 19th century. Chopin’s and Gilman’s stories are not just historical artifacts but resonate with contemporary discussions about gender roles and mental health. By understanding the multifaceted ways these authors address such universal themes, readers can appreciate the nuanced complexities of both the human condition and the art of storytelling.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. The Story of an Hour. Vogue, 1894.
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. The Yellow Wallpaper. New England Magazine, 1892.