The story of an hour

• Who must share the news of Louise Mallard's husband's death?

  Richards and Josephine
• Why do Richards and Josephine believe they should be gentle with Louise Mallard?

  They believe her to be fragile
• How does Louise Mallard react to the news of her husband's death?

  She becomes empowered and considers her life as being better
• What is the traditional expectation of a widow's response to her husband's death?

  That she will mourn and be unhappy
• What unexpected twist occurs at the end of the story?

  Louise's husband is still alive
• What happens to Louise Mallard after she learns her husband is alive?

  She dies of shock
• Who is the author of the story discussed in the study material?

  Kate Chopin
• What time period did Kate Chopin live in?

  1850-1904
• What rights did women have during Kate Chopin's time?

  Women had few rights, including the vote
• What was expected of women in the society during Chopin's time?

  To be subservient to men and to marry and produce children
• How did Chopin view the suppression of women in her society?

  She understood it and recognized that women were not equal to men
• What is a key theme in Chopin's writing?

  The struggle for identity and the suffering of others
• What literary devices are prominently used in the story?

  Repetition and metaphors
• What does the repetition of the word 'open' signify in the story?


  It shows the freedom that Louise now possesses
• What do the trees symbolize in the story?

  They reflect Louise's inner self and her new sense of freedom
• What is a simile?

  A comparison using 'like' or 'as'
• How does Louise feel when she descends the stairs at the end of the story?

  She feels powerful, like a goddess of Victory
• What does the structure of the story, set across one hour, suggest?

  It suggests how quickly life can change
• What does the quote about Louise praying for a long life signify?

  It suggests hope and a change in her outlook on life
• What is the significance of the phrase 'of joy that kills' in the story?


  It implies that the loss of freedom and happiness overwhelmed Louise
• What life goal does Chopin suggest through Louise's experience?

  That happiness and the ability to be free are important
• What are the key themes and ideas presented in Kate Chopin's work?

  • Struggle for identity
  • Suffering of others
  • Suppression of women
  • Importance of happiness and freedom
• How does the structure of the story enhance its themes?

  • Set across one hour, emphasizing life changes
  • Short paragraphs and sentences reflect the passage of time
  • Limited background on characters increases empathy