The Story of an Hour

A detailed Summary of The Story of an Hour


"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

"The Story of an Hour" is a startling portrayal of a woman's awakening upon receiving news of her husband's 'death.' Written in the 19th century, this was very much considered a 'feminist' story, as it harboured disapproving attitudes towards marriage.

In the first sentence, readers were told that the woman was (Louise Mallard) 'afflicted with heart trouble,' foreshadowing danger, fragility, and unwell-ness. Louise 'did not hear the story as many women have heard the same,' but rather, with an immediate acceptance. She mourned to her sister, as if she was mourning for show, in front of family and friends, as it was the 'right' way for a newly widowed woman to behave.

So far, Louise's actions and feelings were nothing surprising. However, from the moment she entered the room, readers are at odds with the direction Chopin takes. Once alone, the reader's expectations would be for Louise to take her anger out on the furniture, or to reminisce and weep


Readers, although puzzled at first, will soon come to understand Louise's call and meditated manner. Indeed, she was racing with thoughts, but not of the kind that would bring her to commit suicide. What she had in mind was quite the opposite. The 'something coming to her' had her 'wishing for life to be long.' Looking beyond the sadness, what Louise's husband's death really meant, dawned on her. This realization caught her in a violent trance, a climax, accompanied with sensual images as Louise's 'bosom rose and fell tumultuously...parted lips...vacant stare...' and a whispered, hurried chant.

Almost as soon as Louise reached this ecstasy, she sees her husband standing in front of her, alive and well.

It turned out that there had been a mistake, and this was all a false alarm. Louise died 'of joy that kills.' This statement could be compared to the punchline of a joke. At this point, readers know that the 'joy' wasn't for her husband's return. This abrupt cessation of joy is the ultimate cause of her

Some common words found in the essay are:
Instead Louise, Louise Mallard, Commentary Story, joy kills', louise's husband's,

Approximate Word count = 681
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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