Have you heard of The Story of an Hour short story by American author Kate Chopin? It is a popular story full of realism. The theme of The Story of an Hour is quite interesting. Let’s explore it in detail by finding about The Story of an Hour themes, and why is it an ironic story.
1. What is a Theme of the Story?
Whenever a story is written, it is written based on a specific context and some underlying principles. A story may be based on imagination, foolishness, intelligence, war, dark, or whatever. The theme is the main idea that the writer, author, or poet tries to convey through his work. The theme can be conveyed through the storyline, characters, dialogue, plot, or other elements. (See What is a Theme in Art?)
2. Describe The Story of an Hour Summary
The Story of an Hour is a short story by American author Kate Chopin, published on April 19, 1894. It was initially named The Dream of an Hour. To get a complete idea of The Story of an Hour themes, you must read its summary.
- It is a story about a lady named Louis Mallard. Louis Mallard is a pretty woman who lost her husband in a railroad accident.
- Richard, a friend of her sister Josephine, broke the news of Mr. Mallard’s death. On hearing the news, Louis cried a lot, but later she locked herself in her room.
- On calming herself, she slept and saw a dream where she felt herself free and independent. She felt that with the death of her husband, she had left the burden of her marriage.
- But after an hour, she came down to see her husband’s corpse. On seeing the dead face of her husband, she died. It is a very ironic ending for the plot. (See Pinocchio Story Summary)
3. How Important is the Story Setting in The Story of an Hour?
Similar to the theme of The Story of An Hour, the story’s setting is important. The setting is the time and place chosen by the writer to establish the scene. The setting plays a crucial role in enhancing the description quality. It not only establishes the scene but also engages the reader’s interest. The Story of an Hour is set in the nineteenth century in the house of Mallards. The place where she imagines her freedom is her husband’s house, on whose death she was feeling independent and relieved. So, the setting of the story plays an important role. Also, check out the best child psychology books.
4. Why is The Story of an Hour Ironic? What is the Main Irony and Symbolism in The Story of an Hour?
The Story of an Hour by Kant Chopin, an American writer, is a piece of work full of realism. It is written from the third-person point of view with an omniscient narrator. It is a story about a lady named Louis Mallard who aspires and imagines her freedom after the death of her husband, Mr. Mallard. She dies on seeing the face of her dead husband. Though she planned a life full of freedom and independence, her aspirations didn’t last long. That’s why The Story of an Hour is an ironic story. Must read what are Text Features?
The main irony in the story is the short-living aspirations of Mrs. Mallard after the death of her husband. She planned to live a life full of independence but couldn’t achieve her dream. The symbolism here is the symbol of a dream; her aspirations were just a part dream. These dreams faded before the reality of her life. (Also read True History of Humpty Dumpty Rhyme)
5. The Story of an Hour Themes
The themes are the underlying ideas in a piece of work. The themes can be conveyed through characters, plot, dialogues, etc. The underlying The Story of an Hour themes are Freedom and Independence. The writer conveyed the theme of The Story of an Hour through the character of Louis Mallard when she whispers free, free, free. Must read about the Origin of an Ogre.
6. The Story of an Hour Symbols
There are several symbols in the story: open window, dream, heart trouble, etc. The open window represents the aspirations of Louis, who was looking for freedom and independence in life. She doesn’t want to be entangled in the marriage ties that bind her. She can see an open field, blue sky, birds, etc., through the window, which symbolizes freedom. Her dream is also a crucial symbol to establish the storyline. Also, check out What is the Story behind 241543903?
7. What is The Story of An Hour Moral Lesson?
A famous saying can understand the moral of the story: Truth will set you free. Louis dreamt of her freedom but couldn’t live it because it is not the reality she can bear. Thus, in short, The Story of an Hour themes indicates the truth that could have helped to get what she aspires for, and not mere imaginations of some random situations. (See The Seat of The Soul Summary)
