The period between 1837 and 1901, also known as the Victorian Era, was a difficult, oppressive, and uncomfortable time for women. It was a time when much of society believed that women were inferior and should remain dependent on their husbands and all other male figures. Women were expected to marry, take care of children and take care of the house. With little responsibility, little independent progress has emerged in a woman's life. Louise Mallard's atypical transformation from wife to individual woman in The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin illustrates the loss but lack of self-esteem and identity that women experienced as oppressed Victorian wives. Kate Chopin's hour-long story restores female identity through the female character's struggle with rigid social structures and traditions. As seen through the life of the protagonist, Louise Mallard, women struggle immensely to establish a connection with the outside world, a domain that is often completely obscured and closed off by their husbands. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Women in Victorian society experienced psychological oppression from their husbands, which interfered with their ability to develop as individuals. Louise Mallard contemplated her new life shortly after being informed of her husband's death. The loss of Mr. Mallard symbolizes the massacre of the traditional, socially acceptable way of life, as Louise sees marriage in line with society's belief that men "have the right to impose a private will on a fellow man." (Chopin). the institution of marriage was not a knot between man and woman, but rather a leash tied to the woman, to be guided by the man. Mrs. Mallard is her social identity, used as a mask to hide her true identity from everyone, including herself. Mrs. Mallard, although at a loss for words after hearing of her husband's death, soon understood the state of her new reality. Soon her life would give her a completely new identity, in which for the first time she would fulfill her personal duties and think for herself. Wives these days are kept in the dark, away from a light that has the ability to bring out independent ideas and measures, and are expected to happily obey these truths. However, a life lived in invisible chains has no potential for happiness, only dreams and hopes that will never be realized. Betty Friedman, who coined the term "The Feminine Mystique," explores women's unhappiness and describes women's unhappiness as "the problem that has no name" (Friedman); “When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease – of joy that kills” (Chopin). For Louise and many other women of the time, the joy that kills is the falsified joy represented in everyday life; joy of serving, joy of cleaning, joy of getting married. When Louise recognizes that there is now room for personal fulfillment and independence now that her husband is gone, she experiences true joy and euphoria for the first time in her life, which is soon interrupted by the arrival of her husband. Upon Mr. Mallard's arrival, the joy that kills is once again her reality, which ultimately causes her fragile heart to give way, as she will never be able to live a life that will bring her true joy. Valor and individuality prevail over his loyalty and faithfulness to the one who took it from him, Mr. Mallard. Louise's first glimpse of herself causes a permanent and everlasting change in her character that she has always wanted. Louise's emotions quickly transform from being?".