"The Story of an Hour"

Analytical Essay # 64618

English > Analysis
Literature > American

A brief analysis of the literary themes in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour."

721 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2005 | United States

Published on: Mar 29, 2006

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Kate Chopin's prolific short story entitled, "The Story of an Hour" provides the reader with endless literary devices as well as components which enhance the story and the point that the author is trying to get across. In particular, it looks at how Chopin's usage of irony, ending and character provide the basis for which this story can thrive upon.

From the Paper:

"Irony has the ability to alter one's ideas about what might be expected and what actually occurs. This was the case in "The Story of an Hour." Mrs. Mallard was devastated and simply unable to think straight when she had heard the news of the train accident which took the life of her husband only to see that he is alive and doing well. The fact that she prepared herself for her husband's death and allowed grieving time only to see him standing at her front door is astonishing, and ironic."