Feminism in The Story Of An Hour Essay

Katie Chopin is the author of some of the most influential works of feminism. The Story of an Hour is her take on the treatment of women-or more specifically, wives-in the late 19th century. Throughout the story, Chopin touches on the most integral parts of feminism: the societal oppression of women; the distinction of a womans identity from that of her husband, and the expression thereof; and the right of women to engage in and pursue their own interests and aspirations.

Louise Mallard is subject to different sorts of oppression in the story, namely her fleeting health and the general male repression she faces. From the very beginning of the story, Louise is pegged as weak and in need of chivalric protection by Richards. He goes as far as hasten[ing] to forestall any less careful, less tender friend in bearing the sad message of Brentlys death, out of fear that it might be too much for Louises frail heart to handle. Brently, though he had never looked save with love upon her, dominated Louises life and will and left her face with lines [that] bespoke repression. It is only after the death of Brently that Louise sawa long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely, but despite the very apparent joy this brings to Louise, she recognises that its her social duty to remain faithful to her husband even in death, and [strives] to beat [the feeling] back with her will.

Moreover, Louise isnt referred to by her first name until the end of the story; shes simply referred to as Mrs. Mallard, which exemplifies the status of wives, and indeed all women, of the 19th century in that they are effectively the property of men. Almost immediately after Louise learns of her husbands demise, she sees that the trees outside her home were all aquiver with the new spring life, undoubtedly a metaphor for her newfound independence and freedom to do with her life what she wants, and not what her husband demands of her.

Ultimately, its Brently and the eras characteristic male dominance that leads to Louises death at the end of the story. In an instant, she is thrust back into her life as Mrs. Mallard; back into her life of being an oppressed woman of the 19th century, and even beyond the grave her actions and believed to revolve around the life of her husband.