The Story of an Hour
The Story of an Hour is a riveting tale of feminism and assertion by Kate Chopin, centered about the protagonist Louise Mallard, who has a heart condition. When her husband Brently dies in a railroad accident, her sister Josephine delivers the news of his demise as gently as possible to avoid worsening her condition. Louise reacts to the news differently as compared to other women, weeping once and then going to her room where her true feelings are revealed. Although she knows that she will weep again when she sees her husband’s body, she experiences an immense sense of freedom as “there would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself (Schmid).” She goes back to the living room with her sister just as Brently opens the front door. Louise is so heartbroken at the realization that her dreams of freedom are futile that she dies instantly.
The Story of an Hour is still assigned in literature courses today as it advances themes that are relevant to society. One of the most prevalent themes in the story is the theme of oppression, assertion, and independence. Chopin explains how women in marriages usually have to bend to the man’s will and live for them (Schmid). On the news of Brently’s death, Louise experiences joy as the realization that she is free to live her own life dawns on her, independent of a man’s powerful will. I believe that the reading should be assigned to literature courses as it advocates for women’s rights to assertion and freedom. The reading depicts how oppression can lead to distress, as shown by Louise’s death due to the withdrawal of her liberty by her husband’s return.
Swapping Emily from A Rose for Emily with Louise, the Story of an Hour would not have ended with the protagonist’s death. Emily is a strong-willed lady, and she would not have subjected to a man’s will. She would have obtained her freedom, even if it meant poisoning Brently like she poisoned Homer. Swapping Louise with Emily, she would have let Homer go rather than poisoning him to keep him from leaving as she wanted independence from men.
The Scarlet Letter and A Rose for Emily share the theme of isolation. Emily is isolated by society when she starts dating Homer, who is presumed to be below her social class. The townsfolk disapprove of their relationship and send the local preacher to talk to her. When he is unable to persuade her to terminate the relationship, the minister’s wife calls her cousins, who are also unsuccessful. As a result, the townsfolk isolate Emily and shun her, only visiting her house after her death (Faulkner). Similarly, when Hester Prynne engages in adultery and conceives, she is harshly judged and subjected to wear a scarlet letter “A” that signifies her sin (Hawthorne). She is put in prison and later released. She lives a quiet and isolated life with her daughter Pearl who lacks friends as the townsfolk shun them.
The Scarlet Letter is the best as the female protagonist eventually gets freedom and acceptance. Louise is unable to enjoy her newfound freedom on her husband’s return, while Emily is unable to find love and approval by the townsfolk even after her father dies. However, Hester transforms the letter “A” from a symbol of shame to a symbol of strength and redemption. She wears it with such pride that the womenfolk grow jealous of her. In the end, she is accepted as part of society, and people start buying her high-quality embroidery. Hester signifies that the search for freedom, acceptance, and redemption is not always futile.