Nicole Wilson

Prof. Quitadamo

UWRT 1102

13 March 2017

Symbolism in the Story of an Hour

The whole story surrounds around this big symbolism of the open window concept. The

open window and the symbolic openness written in this story takes up the majority of the plot.

Mrs. Mallard, the main character and the wife of a character that has supposedly deceased at the

beginning of the narrative. Kate Chopin, the author, reveals symbolic truth and symbolism

involved with the character, Louise Mallard. The symbolism can create a sense of comfort and

wellness for the reader.

Chopin related the short story, The Story of an Hour, to her real life and the personal

events that occurred. In Chopins past, she lost her father as a child due to a train accident. She

wrote the story where Mr. Mallard was believed to have died in a train accident. The narrative

does not talk about intentions of her husband or the thoughts of her husband.

The Open window concept is a major factor amongst the story. The open window

concept starts with Louise Mallard gazing out her bedroom window and then that is when

the symbolism begins.

Once Louise Mallard finds out her husband has deceased in an accident, Louise reveals

her true feelings that are kept hidden. Not much is revealed at the beginning of the narrative as to

what kind relationship she had with her husband as to her harboring these secret feelings and
thoughts. She reacts with obvious react and has the typical reaction to a loved ones death with

tears and seems to be appropriate. Until the moment the one, single word, free escapes her lips.

She quickly realizes the freedom and independence that she now has encountered. She is

overcome by it and finds pleasure in this new independence she has.

No hints are revealed to the marriage of Louise and her husband. Kate Chopin does not

reveal if there were any struggles or any type of abuse amongst the two. Louise admits that her

husband was loving and kind to her; apparently he just wasnt enough for her satisfaction.

Perhaps, she wanted more and wants to live and explore her life more. Her first reaction doesnt

show happiness that he died and it doesnt show problems in their marriage. However, her

reaction than changes and reveals that she has an epiphany and changes the nature of herself. No

text is written or hidden symbols are shown as to why Brently oppressed her. Chopin real life,

she was an independent woman with no marriage. She didnt have a marriage to truly understand

marriage oppression or being controlled by the husband. Having symbolic marriage symbolism

written in the story is ironic since it doesnt represent the authors real life and is the opposite.

Chopin cannot even relate to her parents because her father died when she was a child.

Louise Mallard suffers from heart troubles and that health condition is revealed in the

opening sentence of the narrative. It foreshadows the end of the narrative and future death to

come. The heart trouble symbolizes the oppression put on the heart which results into a

weakened heart. When her new independence and lust for life is revealed, Louise not only feels

better emotionally but, feels better physically as well. It as if a weight has been lifted, off her
chest, when she learns the news of the death of her husband. As soon as she sees his face walk in

that front door at the end of the narrative, that weight returns alongside her health condition.

Kate Chopin did some creative thinking when coming to terms on ways to write this

story. She specifically chose a name for the main character that had a deeper meaning and

provided more symbolism and foreshadowing. The last name, Mallard, of the protagonist means

poor health. (Doloff, 580-581) This meaning foreshadows not only the health condition of

Louise Mallard but, that something bad may occur.

With all the primary themes that are involved in the short narrative of The Story of an

Hour, symbolism is the most prevalent. The symbolic truth revealed in a story less than ten pages

and that surrounds the one main character is remarkable. Louise Mallard reveals symbolism of

independence, forbidden joy, marriage troubles, heart troubles, concealed happiness, lust and the

open window. The truth is not obviously revealed, you have to do some deeper reading and

make connections to the authors life to understand the truth of all the symbolism. All the

symbolism and secretive meanings that Chopin included in this story comes to together to create

several interpretations and a critical reading experience.