abdul10
Oct 11, 2014
Book Reports / "The Dream of an Hour" - Plot analysis by Kate Chopin [2]
I just want to know if I can change anything. Also If I still need a conclusion.
Introduction to Literature
The Dream of an Hour
Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" narrates the events after the assumed death of Mr. Mallard who was reported to have died in a train accident. The author uses literary devices to bring out the perceptions, feelings and nature of the relationship between the main characters. Exposition used at the beginning of the narrative illustrates the events that occur prior to Mrs. Mallard being informed of her husband's death and her subsequent reactions. When Louise hears grave news she feels a sense of liberation, "She said it over and over under the breath: "free, free, free!" (Chopin278-279). After that she goes upstairs alone, intending to break down in private or wishing to conceal her reaction to the news.
The author uses exposition to indicate how the news of her husband's death affects her. It is evident that she is uncertain of what to expect next; therefore, she is rather afraid. There is evidence of conflict between partners since her husband's purported death makes her happy; however, her feelings remain unsure to a certain degree. In addition, she must conceal her reaction to prevent people from seeing her contended, which is not acceptable. In this respect, exposition is used to illustrate the expected cultural norm and behavior after the death of a spouse. Though Mrs. Mallard is relieved, she cannot show her feelings to the public.
Exposition in the narrative integrates description of the surrounding, behavior of the characters, their thoughts and words to bring out the various aspects of the character's relationships; namely, between husband and wife, including the Louise's feelings after her husband's death. For instance, in her room, Mrs. Mallard realizes that she is no longer subject to the boundaries of marriage; therefore, she perceives as a new woman and decides to "live for herself" (Chopin 279).
Chopin uses rising action to illustrate anticipation, apprehension, excitement and shock in the narrative. For instance, when Richard, Mr. Mallard's friend, learns of his death, he confirms the death through a second telegraph waiting with apprehension while Mrs. Mallard is informed of her husband's death. In addition, her reaction to the news is indicative of rising action as she faces mixed feelings including excitement at being free. Falling action is also evident in the character's sadness at the news and in attempts to get this message to Mrs. Mallard. For example, falling action is expressed vividly as Josephine tells Mrs. Mallard, her sister, "in broken sentences" the news of her husband's death (Chopin 278).
Chopin tabulates trick ending through introducing Mr. Mallard, unexpected and alive. The death of Mrs. Mallard represents the climax of the narrative. Evidently, though she is eager to begin her new life, why does she die at the end of the story? Was her death caused by a "heart disease of joy that kills" or some other reason? A reader could assume that Louise inspired by the dreams of her new life dies being shocked by her husband's return.
The conclusion of the narrative is unexpected and ironic since Mrs. Mallard dies momentarily after describing herself a new woman. Consequently, Chopin's resolution is followed by rising action, climax and falling action. The introduction representing a rising action describes Mrs. Mallard surprised and shocked by her husband's death. The fact that Mrs. Mallard dies while Mr. Mallard remains alive becomes the narrative's climax. The sadness that comes after her death is the falling action.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. "The Story of and Hour." The Norton Introduction to Literature. 11th Ed. Kelly J.
Mays. New York: Norton, 2013. 277. Print.
I just want to know if I can change anything. Also If I still need a conclusion.
Introduction to Literature
The Dream of an Hour
Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" narrates the events after the assumed death of Mr. Mallard who was reported to have died in a train accident. The author uses literary devices to bring out the perceptions, feelings and nature of the relationship between the main characters. Exposition used at the beginning of the narrative illustrates the events that occur prior to Mrs. Mallard being informed of her husband's death and her subsequent reactions. When Louise hears grave news she feels a sense of liberation, "She said it over and over under the breath: "free, free, free!" (Chopin278-279). After that she goes upstairs alone, intending to break down in private or wishing to conceal her reaction to the news.
The author uses exposition to indicate how the news of her husband's death affects her. It is evident that she is uncertain of what to expect next; therefore, she is rather afraid. There is evidence of conflict between partners since her husband's purported death makes her happy; however, her feelings remain unsure to a certain degree. In addition, she must conceal her reaction to prevent people from seeing her contended, which is not acceptable. In this respect, exposition is used to illustrate the expected cultural norm and behavior after the death of a spouse. Though Mrs. Mallard is relieved, she cannot show her feelings to the public.
Exposition in the narrative integrates description of the surrounding, behavior of the characters, their thoughts and words to bring out the various aspects of the character's relationships; namely, between husband and wife, including the Louise's feelings after her husband's death. For instance, in her room, Mrs. Mallard realizes that she is no longer subject to the boundaries of marriage; therefore, she perceives as a new woman and decides to "live for herself" (Chopin 279).
Chopin uses rising action to illustrate anticipation, apprehension, excitement and shock in the narrative. For instance, when Richard, Mr. Mallard's friend, learns of his death, he confirms the death through a second telegraph waiting with apprehension while Mrs. Mallard is informed of her husband's death. In addition, her reaction to the news is indicative of rising action as she faces mixed feelings including excitement at being free. Falling action is also evident in the character's sadness at the news and in attempts to get this message to Mrs. Mallard. For example, falling action is expressed vividly as Josephine tells Mrs. Mallard, her sister, "in broken sentences" the news of her husband's death (Chopin 278).
Chopin tabulates trick ending through introducing Mr. Mallard, unexpected and alive. The death of Mrs. Mallard represents the climax of the narrative. Evidently, though she is eager to begin her new life, why does she die at the end of the story? Was her death caused by a "heart disease of joy that kills" or some other reason? A reader could assume that Louise inspired by the dreams of her new life dies being shocked by her husband's return.
The conclusion of the narrative is unexpected and ironic since Mrs. Mallard dies momentarily after describing herself a new woman. Consequently, Chopin's resolution is followed by rising action, climax and falling action. The introduction representing a rising action describes Mrs. Mallard surprised and shocked by her husband's death. The fact that Mrs. Mallard dies while Mr. Mallard remains alive becomes the narrative's climax. The sadness that comes after her death is the falling action.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. "The Story of and Hour." The Norton Introduction to Literature. 11th Ed. Kelly J.
Mays. New York: Norton, 2013. 277. Print.
