Analysis of Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour”

Abstract

Kate Chopin, an American author who lived in the 19th century, is responsible for the seminal piece of literature known as The Story of an Hour. Her short narrative “The Story of an Hour” gives a dramatic account of the many unexpected shifts in temperament that a woman goes through over the span of an hour. Chopin’s story achieves a powerful ironic artistic eff ect thanks to Chopin’s use of irony to bring to light the presence of women in America during the 19th century. In this article, the contrast between the readers’ expectations and Mrs. Mallard’s actual condition, as well as the contrast between Mrs. Mallard’s actual circumstances and her spatial and emotional expression, will be used to highlight the artistic appeal of this novel.