ENGL 1102 Lecture 11: 11
This unexpected turn of events alludes to the futility felt by women during the 19th
century in their efforts for rights and equality. “That very little of the early history of woman
suffrage in Wyoming has survived in popular historical memory” (Lamont, 37). The building up
of Louise’s joy from the prospects of a life unencumbered by a patriarchal figure is metaphorical
to the efforts of women during this time to build a foundation and groups to fight for their rights:
in the end, they all end up in shambles or disband.
“The Story of an Hour” depicts the time frame wherein the beginning of the struggles of
women for rights and freedoms began to bear fruit. This notion is strengthened by the impression
given that “It has been frequently remarked that marriage is a failure, but the ladies keep on
risking it notwithstanding” (Lamont, 25). The questioning of marriage itself implies the
uncertainty and doubt women felt regarding the family unit, and thus the societal structures set
regarding it. We have a clear understanding that during this time women were often known to be
home workers or caretakers that continued to live dependently on their spouse, such as Louise
Mallard. In the 19th century, women were still portrayed within the patriarchal frame and were
typically depicted as wives (Williams, 125). Usually, women took on roles that fulfilled the
patriarchal view. The message that spurred throughout the 19th century was that woman were
not as important as men (Williams, 132). Kate Chopin, who lived in this era, uses Louise to
portray how women never got to get the independence and individualism they desired. “There
would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself” (Chopin, 307).
Chopin emphasizes how Louise finally acquired the freedom she sought through a tragic, yet
fortunate event for Louise, thus allowing her to break free from the stereotypical role of a wife.
From the progression of “The Story of an Hour”, one can discern the literary work’s
heavy reliance on the values and norms regarding women during the 19th century. The joy
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Document Summary
This unexpected turn of events alludes to the futility felt by women during the 19th century in their efforts for rights and equality. That very little of the early history of woman suffrage in wyoming has survived in popular historical memory (lamont, 37). The story of an hour depicts the time frame wherein the beginning of the struggles of women for rights and freedoms began to bear fruit. This notion is strengthened by the impression given that it has been frequently remarked that marriage is a failure, but the ladies keep on risking it notwithstanding (lamont, 25). The questioning of marriage itself implies the uncertainty and doubt women felt regarding the family unit, and thus the societal structures set regarding it. We have a clear understanding that during this time women were often known to be home workers or caretakers that continued to live dependently on their spouse, such as louise.
