Oppression of Women

A detailed Summary of Oppression of Women

Oppression of women in the 1800's was commonplace. Women were not given the right to freedom nor to express individual thoughts and views. Women were seen as property rather than human beings. In Kate Chopin's The Story of an Hour, she demonstrates through Louise Mallard the struggles she must overcome from a loveless marriage and an unfulfilled life. Louise experiences longing from barriers that her husband, marriage and society have placed on her need for individualism, escape from guilt and pleasure for life.

Individualism gives people an identity, a sense of who one is. It gives one choices and allows one to be unique. Louise longs for her own individualism and to make her own choices. After hearing the news of her husbands death, Louise feels released from the ties that bind, to pursue her own free will when the story states " there would be no one to live for her during these coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in a blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow creature". Louise believes regardless of ones intentions, whether cruel or kind, is a crime none the less. Louise's lack of identity is person

ified with the lack of use of her first name. We are introduced to Louise as Mrs. Mallard at the beginning of the story, it is not until the end of the story that we discover her first name. Society, marriage and her husband have striped Louise of the main element that makes people individuals. Without a name of our own, who are we? With Brently Mallard's passing, Louise can now embrace her longing for individualism and declare it for herself.

Guilt is often a difficult emotion for people to overcome. Loiuse is afflicted with the guilt of relishing in the news of her husbands death, but only for a moment. After hearing the news of her husbands death Louise retreats to her room allowing no one to follow. She is reflecting upon the news when suddenly she senses something approaching. Not fully understanding at first, she soon begins to recognize her true feelings about her husbands death as it overtakes her when she utters " free, free, free". She responds to this as someone who has been asleep their whole life and has suddenly awakened. "Her eyes become keen, her pulse beats fast and the coursing blood warms every inch of her body". It is in this moment Louise truly understands what the death of her husband means to her freedom and instantly lets go of the guilt that holds her. "She did not stop to ask if it were or were not a monstrous joy that held her". Lou

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Approximate Word count = 930
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History