“Symbolism in ‘The Story of an Hour’”
Several instances of symbolism in Kate Chopin’s “Story of an Hour” create feelings of opportunity, comfort, and relaxation. This story is very short but it is very complete and every symbol has a deep meaning. Mrs. Mallard lives a life of freedom but at she is oppressed by her husband and the fact that she has heart problems. During the story she finds comfort with her bedroom arm chair and the window in which she often times looks out. In the end Mrs. Mallard’s chooses to die rather than to have her friend take to her after her husband comes back into her life. Kate Chopin’s displays many different instances of symbolism in “The Story of an Hour” including the open window, Mrs. Mallards heart trouble, and the chair into which Mrs. Mallard sank.
The first important sign of symbolism is the arm chair Mrs. Mallard often sits in. The chair represents a relaxation period from her oppressive life. Mrs. Mallard sinks into the chair after the death if her husband. The position of the chair in the house is also important. This displays a warm feeling of security because the chair is facing the window. This depicts life as a warmer place than death. The description words used to described the chair further lets the reader get a feeling or love and warmth.
Another sign of symbolism is the open window in Mrs. Mallards bedroom. The window represents the new opportunities she will have in her life after her husbands death. The outside scene depicts a perfect day with beautiful skies filled with big clouds. The big sun as well as they birds and people singing also add to the perfect setting of happiness. She sees the trees that “were all quiver with the new spring life” symbolizing also something new happening in her life. The rain represents revival from Mrs Mallard’s downfall period. Rain also represents calmness in her hectic life. The open window plays a significant role in Mrs. Mallard’s life.
In addition to the chair and...