Story of an Hour: Mrs. Louise Mallard
Mrs. Louise Mallard
Kate Chopin (1851-1904) was a renowned American female author of the late 19[th] century. She wrote several novels and short stories that illustrated the role of women in that particular era. Some of her work, deemed too controversial for the period, was banned from library shelves (Wyatt). Fortunately, all her work is now celebrated and readily available for public reading. One of her most famous stories, "Story of an Hour" features Mrs. Louise Mallard as the leading lady. As the story's protagonist, Louise is portrayed by the narrator as an intelligent and fascinating woman.
The story is quite purposely narrated in the third person. It is obvious that the ...
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" (Chopin par. 1). Physically, she is portrayed as delicate and frail. The story's narrator details her appearance as slight, young, with fair skin and small hands. The lines on her face seem to tell a story of "repression", yet in spite of her small stature and stifled expression, she has "a certain strength" about her (Chopin par. 8).
Louise is married to husband, Brently. Even though he is kind and loving, Louise feels smothered by his control over her life. They are presented as possibly an affluent family, with Brently employed in management at the local railroad company. Louise lives a sheltered life, not one of hard work, more of comfort and stability.
"Story of an Hour" has other characters that appear to assume responsibility for Louise's wellbeing, as though she is as helpless as a child. Her husband's friend, Richards, and her sister, Josephine are extremely gentle with Louise; treatment that seems customary in the Mallard household. They are both put in the ...
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Story of an Hour: Mrs. Louise Mallard. (2013, November 8). Retrieved May 23, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Story-of-Hour-Mrs-Louise-Mallard/103273
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"Story of an Hour: Mrs. Louise Mallard." Essayworld.com. November 8, 2013. Accessed May 23, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Story-of-Hour-Mrs-Louise-Mallard/103273.
"Story of an Hour: Mrs. Louise Mallard." Essayworld.com. November 8, 2013. Accessed May 23, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Story-of-Hour-Mrs-Louise-Mallard/103273.
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