Death in "The Story of an Hour"

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the word "death" is chosen as a point of analysis and discussion. The primary objective of this deconstruction analysis is to determine how the signifier, which is the word "death," paves the way for the creation of themes that would best describe the purpose of the author (Kate Chopin) in writing "The Story of an Hour." Throughout the paper, both figurative and literary meanings of death are given, in relation to the characters and plot of the story. The author of the paper posits that the signifier (death) provides an alternative avenue for Chopin to subtly express her disagreement, even protest, on the persistence of inequality between males and females in 19th century Western society.

From the Paper:

"Figurative meaning embedded in the word death is the end of patriarchy. This is a strong and very serious issue that Chopin creatively disguises through the characters of Brently and Louise in "Story." Brently's death led to Louise's freedom, which tells the reader that it is only with the 'death'-literal death of men-that women can truly be themselves, be free from any limits or following discriminating norms of the society. His death may also mean that it is only when men are 'under the earth,' an imagery of death, that women can be free and be happy. Notice that the imagery, 'under the earth' is also synonymous with the meaning of being subjugated, wherein one is put under someone's control involuntarily."

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