Character Analysis Over & Story Of An Hour

"The Story of An Hour," a short story by Kate Chopin, details the events of the day when Mrs. Mallard learns that her husband has died in a train accident, but then later dies herself from a heart attack after seeing that he is alive. Chopin makes it clear through the structure of the story that Mrs. Mallard's death was bound to occur; when people are oppressed their soul has no freedom.

It is obvious from the beginning that Mrs. Mallard has heart trouble as she has to be informed of her husband's death "as gently as possible." Her reaction to learning of his death shows how she is weak, emotionally and physically, and also reveals her dependence on others as she "wept at once...in her sister's arms." Even though she is hysterical at first, Mrs. Mallard's grief soon seems to fade after she spends sometime alone in her bedroom. This shows a sign that there is a desire of her wanting to be free and independent.

The rising action of the story is built up as Mrs. Mallard is in her room "facing the open window." The peaceful environment that she sees outside symbolizes that she is in a state of happiness and harmony. Mrs. Mallard views all this with "a dull stare in her eyes," fixing her gaze on the blue sky.

The details of the rising action all transitions into the climax; Chopin reveals the image of Mrs. Mallard starting to realize the meaning of the new feelings that she is experiencing when she whispers, "Free! Body and soul free!" She is filled with excitement at the moment, however, a drastic change of events can be seen to come when she prays "that life might be long."

In the falling action of the story, Mrs. Mallard heads back downstairs carrying herself "like a goddess of victory." She carries a newfound confidence as she has a "feverish triumph in her eyes."

The story is concluded with the denouement in which