Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” can be read and analyzed in a variety of different ways. Psychological, autobiographical or gender criticism could be sufficient; nonetheless, gender criticism is the most flagrant in my opinion.
In her story Chopin demonstrates the way in which society perceives women, and wives particular, as weak creatures who need to be handled very carefully. Yet, the main character, Mrs. Mallard, does not act how society expects from women, she is a strong women, but ironically at the end, her biological strength does not allow her to act this way.
The society at that time was male dominated; most women would want the security of a husband who provides money, food and shelter. Mrs. Mallard looks to a future without a husband and this thought actually brought her happiness. For me it is clear indication of feminism in the story.
Feminism is a strong theme in this story. My initial impression of “The Story of An Hour” was based on the persona’s actions and also on the occurrences in the story that suggest that the author was indeed a feminist.
At that time - male dominated world, the main characters in books were mainly men, yet in her story Chopin portray of male characters is minimal. Both Mr. Mallard, as well as his friend Richard, are barely mentioned in the story.
dear Katurbanska Im totally agree with u about this story of Chopin's "The Story of an Hour". even when the story is really small is very complete ans as you say it is posible3 to analyze it from different approaches of literature criticism.....
ReplyDeleteI agree people often see woman as an object and don't really see thew suffering they go through. Throughout time woman have fough for their rights. In the story of an hour Ms Mallard only escape was death. She didn't want to deal with it nomore. She chose death over staying to live with her husband by her side.If you ask me she must of had a miserable life,that death was her only solution and way out.
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