"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

My Reflections of “The Story of an Hour”


      In the beginning of the story, Chopin introduces the story by stating the character, Mrs. Mallard, has a heart condition. This condition may have led up to the events of the end of the story in which Mrs. Mallard had a heart attack and died. Mrs. Mallard experiences many emotions during the hour of the story that makes one question her relationship with her husband.


     Upon the news that her husband had been killed Mrs. Mallard had a range of emotions regarding the death of her husband. I understand grief and immediate anguish felt by Mrs. Mallard upon this news. Sometimes, people are in shock when they receive devastating news. Sometimes people immediately begin to grieve, cry, and wail also though. Her next set of emotions seem different as to how I would handle the death of my spouse.


     Mrs. Mallard likes the feeling of being free that comes to her from the death of her husband. That feeling could be the result of many things. For instance, maybe she married too young or felt like a prisoner in her own home. Maybe she didn’t like her husband, he was abusive, or mean to her also. Another possible reason could be she was always worried about him and such a thing happening. Now she could finally let go.


     I have been married a long time and also watched my father deal with the loss of my mother. It makes me sad to think of a time when my husband might not be here. I can’t imagine the feeling of being free. I think I would feel a piece of me missing if I lost my husband. I don’t feel like Mrs. Mallard felt loved by her husband and stayed married due to obligation. I feel this way because of her feeling of being free upon the news of her husband’s death.