Based in the late 19th century, The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin is about a woman's reaction to the news of her husband's death . While there are different feelings associated with this devastating news, Ms. Mallard felt a sense of euphoria. It then becomes clear to the reader that Mrs. Mallard was unhappy being married and was looking forward to her future as a widow. The author presented in writing elements of irony and symbolism that reflected the protagonist's mentality and what she represented. Chopin, as a writer, expressed concerns about feminism and society at the turn of the century. A woman's independence was non-existent as women's identities and interests were extinct in a male-dominated society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The “Story of an Hour” is a short story set relatively over the course of an actual hour. It is ironic how Mrs. Millard received and reacts to the news of her husband's death. The news of Mr. Millard's death was delivered kindly by Mrs. Millard's sister and her husband's best friend, due to his heart problem. His pain was immediate and in his sister's arms. After her sudden cry, Mrs. Mallard went to her room to be alone, where she sat facing the open window and looked out at the world outside seeing the new life that came with spring. While in her room, she sobbed herself to sleep and dreamed that she herself is "young with a beautiful, calm face." You have to wonder why, in a time of mourning, this new widow isn't more distraught than she is. Furthermore, it is plausible that although Mr. Mallard, who only ever looked at her with love and kindness, their marriage was not a love marriage. “She knew she would cry again” indicates that she is sad about his death, as one would express sadness about an acquaintance, but she is not sorry that her husband died. “And she loved it---sometimes. Often he had not” shows that Mrs. Mallard was not happy and may have felt oppressed during her marriage, having lost the identity of who she truly was. The knowledge that she was now a free woman was intoxicating and she welcomed the fact that she would live her life for herself. Chopin's use of symbolism was identifiable in every paragraph and placed a strong focus on feminism in the society of that era. This tale alludes to the repression and oppression that women have fought against. After escaping to her room, Mrs. Mallard saw a comfortable and spacious armchair in front of an open window. This chair represents the fact that Mrs. Mallard was comfortable or had accepted the fact that her husband was dead. The open window through which he looked symbolizes his freedom. She was not free from the marital control that was imposed on her, nor free to be a woman and live her life as she dreamed. Also, outside his window, there was the “treetops trembling with new spring.” life." Spring symbolizes a time for new growth, new beginnings, as well as a time to start over. These were all possibilities that Mrs. Mallard didn't embrace and couldn't wait to seize. “There would be no powerful will that she can bend hers into that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have the right to impose a private will on another human being.” This is a testament to how oppressed she felt as a woman. Her husband dictated her life. the decisions weren't hers and the family revolved around him and hers.