Feminism in the Story of an Hour free essay sample

Feminism in â€Å"The Story of an Hour† The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin tells the story of a woman gaining independence after her husband’s death. The author uses feminist theory to display her beliefs and values. The relationship between Louise and Brently Mallard, Louises reaction to the news of Brentlys death, and her reaction to seeing him alive again are ways that Kate Chopin displays feminism. The relationship between the Mallards as described in The Story of an Hour suggests the harsh realities of marriage.Chopin described Louises marriage as a 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 fellow-creature. Feminists largely see marriage as a malevolent and oppressive institution. Louise said that often she had not [loved Brently], which supports Chopins feminist ideologies. Louise Mallard has a very positive reaction to her husband’s death, which supports the feminist theory. We will write a custom essay sample on Feminism in the Story of an Hour or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She faces a possession of self-assertion which she suddenly recognized as the strongest impulse of her being upon locking herself in a room to deal with the news. Louise realizes that she would live for herself in the new chapter of her life. Chopin uses ecriture feminine to voice Louise Mallards reactions to the patriarchal society she lives in. Louises reaction displays the obvious partiality of Chopin. The last line of the short story says that Louise died of a heart attack prompted by a flare of her heart disease from the joy of seeing her husband alive.The reader can infer that it was not a heart attack from joy, but rather anger and depression of seeing Brently walk in the door. Louise spent a good amount of time alone coming to the self-actualization that she was no longer tied down to someone she did not love just before those new dreams were dashed. Louise breathed a quick prayer that life might be long just before descending the stairs to her death. Chopin showed that the patriarchal society had won once again in the unfortunate and untimely death of Louise.Kate Chopin’s feminist principles influence her writing in â€Å"The Story of an Hour†. Louise gains the independence from her husband that she had needed for so long, and it gets taken away from her all to quickly. The Mallard’s marriage is an oppressive institution. Louise’s reaction to hearing of Brentley’s death and then her reaction to seeing him alive both display Chopin’s feminist rationale. Chopin’s use of rhetoric and descriptive explanations exhibit the archetypal ideals of feminism.