SSRJ #1: Chopin

    When I read the first line of "The Story of an Hour," it was apparent this story would be extremely emotional, but I had assumed it would be filled with the weight of  despair rather than liberation. As I made my way through the story, I felt relief for the seemingly widowed Louise Mallard. Although her husband may not have necessarily been a bad man, it was clear she was not happy being his wife. I think the piece was made particularly interesting by the year it was set in. Courtship was much different back then as was marriage. In my own life, I know my grandmother and grandfather met in the 1930's, remained friends for a month, dated for another month, and then got married--that's only two months of knowing a person. If things were done so hastily in Mrs. Mallards situation, perhaps she would not have had the ample time to get to know her husband-to-be and he would not prove to be what she had initially thought/wanted. Given the era, divorce also would have been frowned upon whereas in modern times, divorce seems to almost be a part of everyone's lives.

    Kate Chopin's use of imagery symbolizing the liberating notion of being widowed suggests the author's personal views of the oppression felt by women playing the role of the archetypal housewife. After Mrs. Mallards initial reaction of sadness and despair, she goes to sit alone in her room. She notices the trees outside the window "aquiver with new spring life" and the "sparrows twittering in the eaves"(5.) New spring life symbolizes the beginning of her new life alone and sparrows--birds--tend to represent freedom due to their ability of flight. Furthermore, when she realized her acquired freedom, Louise saw "a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome" (13.) These words rich in portrayal of Mrs. Mallards liberation suggest a happiness relating to the passing of her deceased husband. Although some may find it cruel, the author illustrates this new-found freedom as something to be celebrated therefore alluding to her disagreement of women playing the role of housewife.

    Although this is incredibly overdue, I am wondering how everyone else feels about Mrs. Mallard's response to her husbands death. Do you think it was cruel or somehow warranted? I'll be reading the other blogs as well to see your opinions. :)