by L. Berkove

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Summary of Fatal Self-Assertion in Kate Chopin’s “Story of an Hour” by L. Berkove

Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin follows the societal constraints experienced by the 19th-century woman. The main character is Louise Mallard, is made to believe that her husband has passed on. Louise is overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions as she sinks in her chair, and soon she is overcome with a strong sense of freedom. She overlooks the window of opportunity that is before her eyes as time slowly passes by. She watches as the world surrounding her runs free, and she lets nature take its course. Suddenly she experiences monstrous joy in her veins. Although she loved her husband, his death brings new meaning as she breaks the chains preventing her from experiencing a free and true life (Berkove, 149). In the text, Chopin says, ‘And yet she had loved him-sometimes” This goes to show that there are times when Louise did not feel love for her husband. Worth noting, love was a non-factor because, in itself, it is a mystery that has never been solved. As such, love did not count in the face of self-assertion because it was until her husband’s death that Louise came to know the strongest impulse of her existence. Moreover, Louise is seen whispering the words, “Free Body and Soul Free.” The narrator in the story takes the reader to Louise’s mind, and they experience her struggles. It is clear that after she lost her husband, the only thing that Louse wishes to do is to live life for herself and on her terms. The Story of an Hour concerns beliefs about the institution of marriage and society at large. From the story, it is clear that for some reason, Louise sacrificed herself when her husband was alive, and now that he is no longer alive, she wakes up to the realization that she has the freedom she has been missing.

Works Cited

Berkove, Lawrence I. “Fatal Self-Assertion in Kate Chopin’s” The Story of an Hour”.” American Literary Realism 32.2 (2000): 152-158.