This report outlines the analysis of the story The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin. Focus on what the main themes imply and how they are relevant to the story. This ironically tragic yet powerful tale was written in 1894 at the end of the 19th century. Kate Chopin included a great deal of literary techniques with the indication of deep meaning in a well-written, lyrical narrative. Within the four characters presented in the story, the reader only knows Louise's thoughts and identifies with her from a third-person point of view. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay A sad and destitute imprisonment: this is how Kate Chopin describes her protagonist's confinement in an unhappy marriage. Louise is diagnosed with heart disease, which is the first information given to the reader. Chopin describes how Louise, the protagonist, handled the news of her husband's death. She received the news by crying dramatically at the beginning of the story, which makes her subsequent reaction rather confusing for the reader. The ambiguously unexpected turn of events was shocking, Louise was beyond joy, overwhelmed. In The Story of an Hour, the main overarching themes are the deprivation of independence and the injustice or sexism that marriage brings. Both themes are evident and reflect the historical context of the time. Whatever way she was controlled by her husband in the story, she is probably symbolic of patriarchy, which was at an all-time high in the early 20th century; women's obedience to male authority was typical. Louise, she was trapped by that marriage. What played a major role in demonstrating his lack of willpower was the open window. The view through that window, described in great, searing detail, became a source of great agony as well as great comfort. It resembled what seemed to be something he pursued, something he sought in private, life. “He was drinking a real elixir of life through that open window.” The idea that open windows represented freedom in a certain sense. In the case of our protagonist, she didn't mind being called a widow, not at all. He couldn't wait. Louise sat in front of that window with nothing but her thoughts, until what she wanted escaped her lips. “Free, free, free!” he whispered, when he realized it. The new meaning that is going through; she is now an independent woman. Not bound by that man's demands. Meanwhile, the ending was ironic. How she died of a broken heart, not from the joy of her return, but from the independence that was taken away from her minutes after this came to her. She died from losing her freedom which was taken away from her once again. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In the late 19th century, women were expected to do all the household chores. An image of marriage was formed that was much more similar to slavery for women. Independence was forbidden. In our modern age, obedience still exists, yet the law has changed. Nowadays, women are more exposed to activities performed by men and have the legal right to do the same. Unlike before, women were not forced to stay at home. They can live for themselves and not just to please a man, as in Louise's case. Some societies are better than others, but overall women's rights are guaranteed.