Throughout history women have received fewer legal rights and career opportunities than men. As of the 20th century, women have gained rights to vote, become more educated and hold jobs in a position of power. This is a tremendous change from the little to no rights given in the early 1900’s. The women of this era had low expectations, as they were only given the opportunity to be home makers. The thought of women having such little freedoms causes me to ask questions. How did women of the early 1900’s feel about their lack of freedom? Or, how did our culture get to where it is today? And, finally what have women accomplished since receiving rights? Kate Chopin’s short story, Story of an Hour, brings you a woman’s first hand feelings on her life that doesn’t stray far from home. This story will also help to show what was done to change how women are treated in culture and what they have been capable of achieving since nearing equal rights.
Chopin’s story tells of an early 1900’s house wife, who fears she may never escape her loving husband’s spousal expectations. The main character of the story explains that her husband always looked at her with love and care, hoping only that she would be an average 1900’s housewife in return. This was common of the time period, with expectations being that she would cook, clean, care for the children, and aid her husband’s every need. The main character did not like the expectations given to woman in this time period; she loved her husband, but was obviously far before her time. She recognized that she could offer more to society and longed for the opportunity to experience the world. This was the reason for her expressing joy when hearing of her husband’s death.
When looking at women of today’s society, it appears that there is almost nothing they can’t achieve. The role of house wife just as in the 1900’s is still available if they should choose, or they could run for president if they feel capable. Women play a large...