The essential questions for the unit include the following ideas:
- "What do characters with an 'outsider' perspective on the society in which they live see that others cannot? Are they a help or a burden to society?
- Why do outcasts rebel against society?
- Do these outsiders shed light on the weaknesses of society?
- Through rebellion, do these "outsiders" bring about greater self-awareness (to themselves or the reader)?
After closely reading Kate Chopin's short story, "The Story of an Hour," comment upon the story, and specifically how it relates to one or more of the essential questions for this unit named above.
Please have one post completed by Saturday by 6:00 pm, and then before midnight Sunday night please have responded to one or more of your classmates posts. I've posted this to both my classes, so you may respond to students in my other 12H class as well.
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3
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ReplyDeleteIn “The Story of an Hour,” Mrs. Mallard was so wrapped up in her life that she didn’t even realize she wasn’t happy until shortly after her husband died. It took the tragedy of him dying for her to see all the opportunities that were now available to her. She realized that she had newfound freedom, “Body and soul free!” now that she was alone. It is easy to be afraid of something you are not a part of, just as Mrs. Mallard was afraid of how being a widow meant she would be an outcast in society. However, she soon realized it isn’t that bad. People who don’t feel like they are accepted in a society often want to be part of it, but then realize that they don’t need to be and it’s okay to be different from others. At first, Mrs. Madam “wept at once, with a sudden, wild abandonment”, but then thought that “beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come would belong to her absolutely.” “The Story of an Hour” shows how being an outcast in society is not necessarily a negative thing and how an event can cause you to be on the inside or the outside of society.
(Cate)
This is a very interesting analysis of the story! I really like how you talk about the fact that just because you are an outcast isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I completely agree with and think that Mrs.Mallard definitely embodied this opinion. Another interesting point you made was that in the beginning of the story she was afraid of what was going to come of her now that she was a window, but she soon realized that she also had all of these newfound freedoms and rights without her husband controlling her. I think this is very representative of the time period and definitely was the opinion of many women who felt oppressed in their relationships. Overall I think that your analysis of the story and more specifically of Mrs.Mallard are spot on and I loved your insight. (Brooke)
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ReplyDeleteIn The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, Louise doesn’t seem like the type of person who believes in the values of the time period she was born into. She is an outsider and dreamer. She wants her own freedom and doesn’t feel that her actions and words should be controlled by anyone especially the person she is supposed to love (Mr.Mallard). She is initially saddened by the passing of her husband as this was someone that she had grown to “love,” but she then had the realization that her husband's death meant here own freedom. This reveals that this society is troubled because one group of people should not have control over another and marriage should not be something that is formed upon people it should be by choice. (Brooke)
ReplyDeleteI really like your insight! I agree that Louise wants her own freedom, and realizes that she finally is free once her husband dies. I also think that this is definitely a weakness in society, because no woman should feel so controlled by her husband that she is happy about his passing because it finally guarantees her freedom.
DeleteI agree that she doesn't believe in the values of her time period; however, I don't she realized this fact about herself until she had to deal with the news of her husband's death.
DeleteIn "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, Louise is like an outsider to her own life. She feels as though she doesn't have control over her own life, since her husband suppresses her freedom. When her husband dies, however, Louise feels "free! Body and soul free!", instead of feeling sadness and grief. This is a rebellion against the normal reaction to news of a death, since most people feel sad about the passing of their loved one. This rebellion brought self-awareness to Louise because she realized that her husband had a "powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature", and she finally felt free now that her husband died and she had control over her life again. (Samantha Verge)
ReplyDeleteI like this analysis of the story. I agree that Mrs. Mallard did not even know she was trapped in a way until her husband died, which is when the realization came that she could be alone and not have anyone controlling her. I like how you connected rebelling against society to her rebelling against a normal reaction to someone dying. In this case, it brought greater self awareness to her and made her feel better about herself. I am wondering if rebelling always bring greater self awareness, or if sometimes it is negative self awareness? Overall, I like this connection to rebelling against society.
DeleteThis is really interesting! My first reaction to reading "The Story of an Hour" was that she realized the imperfections of society and sees how it functions. It becomes so easy to rely on someone when you're in a committed relationship with them and start to not who you are as an individual. When her husband passes, she realizes that she can be on her own and her husband's weight is no longer pulling her down.
DeleteI agree on how her husbands death led her to feel more free, and it outlines how difficult marriage can be.
DeleteBeing an outsider means not being a part of the “norm” and not fitting in with everyone else. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing because the outsiders could be giving us a warning of how our society is functioning. People who are seen as outsiders to a society might just be the key to what we should not be apart of. Outsiders are viewed as “crazy” and “delusional” but they could be warning us about something that the insiders are not realizing. When they try to say something or oppose what has been said and many people view them as a threat. Protests, websites, activists etc are just examples of groups and ways for people to see what is wrong with society. (Robin Wilson)
ReplyDeleteThis is true in many cases, but sometimes outsiders are, well, outsiders because of a different reason. This is seen in The Scarlet Letter, where Hester becomes an outsider because she made a mistake and had a child with someone other than her husband. She doesn't think that society should let everyone commit adultery, she isn't trying to point out the faults in society. She just made a mistake. Other people make her an outsider. In this story, Louise Mallard makes herself an outsider through a revelation. She wants to be an outsider, as she knows she will be happier. She doesn't have goals to change society like the people you mentioned, she just wants to get some distance from it. (Mark Baumeister)
DeleteIn "The Story of an Hour" Mrs. Mallard is portrayed as an outsider in her society. Initially by not responding in an appropriate manner to news of her husbands death, and then eventually by acknowledging the freedom and independence she has now gained. Normally when one finds out about the loss of their husband, they react "with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance." However Mrs. Mallard "saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely." Her response to her husbands death was unconventional and the hope for a long life afterwards was unusual. She used her moments to grieve as time to imagine the life she could have without her husband. Overall Mrs. Mallard sees a life beyond the constraint of her husband, which ultimately attributes her to outsider characteristics.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis of the story. I think her response was unconventional that made her an outsider. The irony in the end of the story is that she ends up dying and he ends up living. Sometimes outsiders are seen as crazy, but most of the time, they only seem this way because societies are conditioned to think any change is bad.
DeleteI really like the quotes you used to analyze the story. I noticed that as well. The fact that she expresses the opposite reactions that one normally would today, really shows her as an outsider. Too add, I feel as though this has something to do with the time frame this story is taken place because women in the past didn't have much freedom.
DeleteIn the short story, “The Story of an Hour”, Mrs. Mallard’s abnormal reaction to her husband's death shows how outsiders can bring up a weakness of society. Once Mrs. Mallard has accepted her husband’s death she acknowledges that she is free from his control and restrictions he put on her life. Mrs. Mallard realizes, “there would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature”. When married each person in the couple often has to make sacrifices for the other, and with Brently’s death, Mrs. Mallard is able to live her life the way she wants to. Her reaction coneys to the reader how sometimes marriage can start positively, but end in the one person having too much power over the other. Not only does this show a weakness in society, but it also brings self-awareness to Mrs. Mallard to see how her new life without her husband could improve. Unfortunately for her, Brently turns out to still be alive, and Mrs. Mallard’s life ends from this disappointing discovery. (Julia Enright)
ReplyDeleteI agree Julia that Mrs. Mallard brings up a weakness of society. Mrs. Mallard shows that repression is a relevant issue. She also may not be the only woman that feels repressed by her husband in society. Outsiders like her who rebel show the real problems. This may help others break away as well which could possibly fix these problems in society. Even though Mrs. Mallard may be looked down upon now for being different, she will be thanked later for being the first to bring about this issue and for possibly starting a trend.
DeleteOutsiders, like Louise in “The Story of an Hour,” bring a new and unique perspective to the society in which they live. This is extremely helpful to those who are single-minded, only being able to see things in the normal way and cannot typically stray from there opinion. After Louise loses her husband, she is thinking about the weather. She sees, “...the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air...here were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window.” This could be a metaphor to how Louise sees certain situations. Instead of seeing a gloomy, rainy spring day, she sees the beauty and delight. Just like with the death of her husband, instead of focusing on her loss, like the loss of a sunny spring day, she realizes the freedom she will get. This is something only an outsider, who has a interesting approach to life, could do.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really interesting interpretation of the short story. I like how you mentioned the quote about the weather and that she see's the positive side of the rain and how it relates to her reaction to her husband dying. I agree that outsiders can be helpful to a society because of the new perspectives and opinions that they have.
DeleteOutsiders, although looked down upon much of the time, are necessary in society. Without these "outsiders", many things go unnoticed. These people tend to point out the things that most do not want to hear or think about. These outsiders, sometimes, tend to have negative outlooks. Therefore, without them, who would shed light on our weaknesses? Society would not be a happy-go-lucky environment, but I believe it wouldn't be as bright as we imagine it without outsiders. We are made aware of our weaknesses and what needs to be fixed because of these people much of the time, although it is not always what we want to hear.
ReplyDeleteHi Joe! I think these are great ideas about outsiders and their impact in our society. Similar to you, I think that outsiders are necessary and will almost always be present in any society. These outsiders provide us with contrasting viewpoints and different opinions that are very important.
DeleteIn "The Story Of an Hour" Mrs. Mallard is able to bring about greater self awareness through rebellion. Mrs. Mallard was "young with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression.." As a married women, Mrs. Mallard felt restrained by her husband. She is described as having lines that revealed repression, this shows the reader that Mrs. Mallard was not able to be her complete self around her husband. As Mrs. Mallard learns of the news of her husband's death she deals with it in her own way and is able to find herself. She "saw beyond the bitter moment a long procession of years to come that belonged to her absolutely." Many people grieve with a negative outlook and overwhelming feelings of sadness. Mrs. Mallard finds a positive outlook in this time of grieving and sees nothing but good in the future. She has lived under her husband for so long with feeling of judgment and repression that she feels his death is finally an escape for her to be herself. She is free now and can live her life for herself rather than for her husband. Now that Mrs. Mallard is not restrained by her husband, she can be conscious of her own feelings, motives and desires. Society may look down at her for being different, and dealing with his death in this way, but it is what makes her happy.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your statement about how rebelling brings greater self awareness. I think that in a society, it is important to do what you want and do what is best for yourself, even if it somewhat alienates you from that society. I thought that it was very interesting that you said that mentioned that Mrs. Mallard only sees good for the future. Do you think that she is not at all sad about her husbands death or future?
DeleteI agree that Mrs. Mallard is able to find herself because of the death of her husband. I think that the way she dealt with his passing made her come across as an outsider. I agree that Mrs. Mallard felt a great deal of relief after his passing because she has always felt restrained by him. Without his presence she is a able to gain a greater self awareness.
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ReplyDeleteCharacters with an outsider perspective often provide well needed change in stories. The term outsider could be attributed to John Proctor in The Crucible because he was never caught up in the hysteria of the town and he was the only one to provide a sane opinion. However, outsiders can come in many forms. In the recent election, Donald Trump was considered the outsider candidate because he had never been elected to office before. These examples of outsiders can both help and burden society. Sometimes, outsiders do not understand how the society works. But, they could also provide much needed change to a system or society. In The Crucible, John Proctor provided the much needed sanity to a hysterical society. Although in the end he was not able to change the society, he was able to see what others could not.
ReplyDeleteIn the “Story of an Hour”, the character Mrs. Mallard was the outsider. Instead of being sad and mourning the death of her husband, she was overcome with joy. She was ecstatic to start the next chapter of herself free from what bound her before. An outsider like her is neither a burden or help to the society. Instead she is a quirk of society. She has the opposite reaction that most people have.
I agree that Donald Trump and Proctor were also viewed as outsiders in society. I think that outsiders help make society more interesting and are more of a positive than a negative. They work to change society in a way that usually ends up helping the majority of people. Specifically, in this story I think that Mrs.Mallard helps the society rather than not affecting the society at all. Similar to how Proctor helps the society by showing people the other side to the hysteria in the town.
DeleteI liked how you connected this with Proctor. I think a lot of times, the people who are actually in the society do not like outsiders and do not like the change they bring. They cannot see the advantages that these people create, because people generally do not like change once they are used to something
Delete(Audrey Hammerl) ^
DeleteIn The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, Mrs. Mallard is the outcast. She was expected to be extremely sad about the loss of her husband, however, instead she was happy because she was free from her old life. She can now start over and live the life she wanted to life. She continuously repeated the words, "free, free, free, free! Body and soul free!" expressing her excitement of the death of her husband. She dealt with his death in a unique way compared to most. She may be considered an outcast, however, I think she is more of just a women who was so restricted by her husband that she did not know how to express her emotions. Mrs. Mallard acted in an unusual way but we need people like her in the world. If people all acted the same then we wouldn't have much to talk about in society. Although she is seen as being different, society will benefit from her actions and learn more about people. Outcasts usually rebel against society because they are confused about why people don't like them just because they are different. Outsiders are usually characterized as being bad or weird just because they are different. In this story she just acts differently than most people would have but that doesn't make her "weird or bad". When outcasts rebel against society it brings other people closer to understanding them. Outcasts may be portrayed as a bad thing for society but they actually help make the world diverse, more interesting, and cause people to be more aware of themselves and others.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Mrs. Mallard probably wouldn't have been considered an outcast by the other characters, mainly because her "rebellion" is incredibly shortlived and private. I also agree that outsiders or rebels are a necessary part of society - if everyone is the same, progress will be slow or nonexistent.
DeleteIn "The Story of an Hour" Louise Mallard sheds light on a weakness of her society through her reaction to the news of her husband's appearant death. Mrs. Mallard is immediately sad, which is how she is expected to act upon hearing her husband was killed in an accident. Her mood, however, so shifts from grim to optimistic. She realizes that she no longer has to live for anybody except herself, and she cannot wait to live out the rest of her life alone. Mrs. Mallard's joy highlights a weakness of her society: that marriage is too oppressive for women. Feeling happy that someone she admittedly loves is dead just because it means she will be free shows just how burdensome marriage is for young women. Louise Mallard's reaction to her husband's death reveals how onerous marriage can be. (Bradley)
ReplyDeleteHuh i never thought of chopin criticizing marriage. I only saw it from the perspective of Mallard understanding herself but given the technology that is stated in the writing. It is entirely possible that this piece exists during a time when women's rights werent established yet.
DeleteThe story was published in 1894
DeleteI may have read too much into this to see a meaning that isn't there, but I feel like you could still easily apply this story to the theme of marriage and women's rights.
DeleteLauren White
ReplyDeleteIn the short story, written by Kate Chopin, I believe that Louise Mallard was the representation of an outsider in society, because her reaction to her husbands death was abnormal. Abnormality in thought or perspective is the main indication of an outsider. She was able to see the positive aspects of her husbands death in a way that was insensitive and seemingly inappropriate, though may be a better way to handle the situation at hand. She is neither a burden or help to society because she did not share her way of thinking with anyone around her - she hid it. Though I did not see evidence that she brought about a greater sense of self-awareness to herself, she did bring that about for the reader. By responding uniquely to a situation, she forced the reader to consider which is the better way to handle it. In addition, she made the reader question if her perspective was moral or fair to her husband. The outsider perspective usually provides some interesting questions for the reader to think about.
I agree, Lauren. Louise Mallard's behavior was much different that one would expect a grieving wife's to be and that does make her abnormal. I like how you connected the idea of being an outsider to abnormality, it helps to explain how Mrs. Mallard fits that role.
DeleteMrs. Mallard isolates herself by running to her room to grieve alone. With the closing of the room door, she has essentially become an outcast. However, it is in this moment of isolation that she is able to take a good look at herself and her life. She comes to realize that she wasn't actually all that happy in her marriage. While "she had loved [Mr. Mallard] --- sometimes. Often she had not". Hidden away from the judgmental eyes of society, Mallard became away of her own unhappiness. She became aware of her desperate want for freedom which comes out in her whispers of "free, free, free!" No longer did she have to conform to society. As an outcast, she is pretty much free to think and do what she wants. As a result, Mallard gained a better understanding as to what kind of person she wants to be. (dan sun)
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredible analysis! It is so interesting that once alone, she realizes that she now has control over her life. The text reads, "There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself". It is clear that this time alone of sorrows also consisted of reminiscing on memories with her husband and perhaps many were not good memories. A handful of things may have come to Louise's mind. Overall, her isolation brought her to this realization.
DeleteI agree that through being alone and away from society, Mrs. Mallard is able to escape the judgment and bring about greater self awareness. I think this could be related back to the Scarlet letter where the characters like Hester and Dimmesdale had to physically escape society to be themselves and talk freely without judgment. Being away from society often allows people to find themselves, they can step back and see the role they have in society and then decide if they are happy with this or not. For Mrs. Mallard she discovers she was unhappy being married and repressed.
DeleteThroughout “The Story of an Hour” by Louise Mallard, the issue of oppressive and unequal marriage is brought to the reader's attention through the reaction of the loss of her husband. She at first is upset and misses him, as any mourning widow would; however, as time continues she becomes happier and the freedom of being on her own makes her feel more optimistic of the situation. Through her reaction of happiness to the death of her husband, it shows that marriage can be too much for some to handle. (Rebecca B)
ReplyDeleteI like your point here, it makes sense. Your last point "it whows thst marriage can be too much for some to handle" is perfect and ahouls be talked about more rather than outcasts.
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ReplyDeleteKatie Chopin’s, “The Story of an Hour” exemplifies the idea that outsiders potray weaknesses in society. The story begins with a woman who is informed that her husband has died. At first, she reacts in an expected way, by crying and isolating herself. However, as she begins to think about the reality of the situation, her mindset changes and she realizes that she is free and imagined a “long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely.” Her response to this sad situation shows an strange reaction and makes it clear that people who act out of the ordinary show the negative aspects of a society, in this case, marriage inequality.
DeleteHi Julia! I agree that her initial behavior is very typical of someone who has just lost a family member and that when she is in isolation her behavior becomes unusual. In addition, the hope and freedom she feels after her husbands death is what causes her to be perceived as an outsider due to her acknowledgement of their unequal marriage.
DeleteSociety is essentially comfornity. A set of norms are put in place and people who fit into those fit into society. But society is weaker than most people believe. Since an outsider doesn't fit into those norms they are a threat to society. A large number of outsiders can unravel society as the population knows it. The Story of an Hour shows this because the expected norm for a women is to marry a man and settle down. Louise Mallard didn't want to be normal but society forced her into it. She was an outsider because she didn't want a husband to define her.
ReplyDeleteThis is Griffin I'm not sure why my name didn't appear
DeleteThis is a really good thought Griffin. Louise was defenitely an outlier because of her desire for independence and running her own life. Though every person at some point wishes that they could live without needing to consider how their actions would affect others, it usually doesnt lead to this point. Louise is an outsider because of the intensity of her independent streak and that it overwhelmed her mourning. However, it may be due to the fact that she said she never even really loved her husband so perhaps she didn't feel the typical loss because of that as well.
Delete(Mazey Loomis)
ReplyDeleteIn “The Story of an Hour”, author Kate Chopin does a great job at creating an interesting, dynamic character. In the beginning of the short story, Louise’s character seems simple. Upon learning of her husband's death, Louise, “ wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms.” This is how the reader would expect someone who had just lost their husband to react. However, as the story progresses, Louise’s outlook completely shifts. Instead, Louise goes to her room and can not help but find herself daydreaming about her new found freedom. In this way, Chopin (and Louise) would have been considered an ‘outsider’ during her lifetime because her beliefs on this situation were much different than other people’s during the 1890’s. This oppressive marriage between Louise and her husband, left Louise hoping something different. During the 1890’s, celebrating the idea of becoming a widow would have been an extremely unconventional viewpoint.
Hi Mazey, I liked the route you took with this response. The way you connected Louise to the persona of an outsider was very clear. You took a very different approach than I did with the question, and it was interesting to see why you thought Louise was an outsider, not just speaking about outsiders in general. In the end, I also liked the explanation of why she would be considered and outsider in this specific time frame, it was clear and concise. (Joe Lattanzi)
DeleteIn Kate Chopin’s “The Story of the Hour”, the reader is made to sympathize with the outsider’s perspective, and the difficulty it places on the individual. Upon hearing of her husband’s death, Louise Mallard is distraught with the initial shock. Unlike other women however, she was not stuck by a “paralyzed inability to accept [the] significance” of the event. She feels instead as if she is free, for the first time, from a relationship in which she had believed herself happy. In this respect, Louise is an outsider. She recognizes the burden that relationships place on individuals, in forcing people to live for another as opposed to living for themselves. Her emotions, ranging from anguish to joy, contrast with the expected reaction of pure distress. Despite her elation at being unencumbered by her husband, she is unable to exercise her freedom due to a medical condition. The irony is obvious in that Louise’s life ends as soon as she finds joy in it. While she lives her life in conformity, her time is cut short as soon as she has the opportunity to embrace her outsider perspective. (Maia Sprouse)
ReplyDeleteHi Maia! I really enjoyed your post, I wrote about similar things as well. I especially enjoyed your last couple of sentences about the irony surrounding this story. I also found it a little ironic that the whole story is based off the notion that Mr. Mallard is dead, which we find out at the end of the short story isn't the case.
DeleteI agree! I think this is a really good analysis, and I didn't quite pick up on the irony until you pointed it out. It's also ironic because sometimes there are stories of people dying soon after their significant others death because of a broken heart, but in this case it is because she's so joyous.
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ReplyDeleteIn Kate Chopin's, "The Story of an Hour," the protagonist, Louise Mallard, isolates herself after the death of her husband. The focus of the story shifts onto her alone, portraying her as a bit of an outcast. While in isolation, Louise has an interesting realization that perhaps she never loved him; in fact, now that he was gone, she considered herself free. She whispered, "Free! Body and soul free!". It was as if her husband held her back a great deal and his death meant freedom of self expression. would live for herself". Her isolation brought her to this realization. (Tori)
ReplyDeleteYes! I agree I definietly believe that her time spent in isolation led her to her realization of her true feelings for her husband. That was a great use of that powerful quote. I think that she not only did not truly love him but she also felt inferior to him and now that she believes he is gone, she finally gets a sense of her own independence.
DeleteIn "The Story of an Hour", by Kate Chopin, the theme of freedom is depicted. Chopin uses this theme in her short story by illustrating Mrs. Mallard escaping to her room. Here, she reflects emotions unlike how one would react in the result of a husbands death. This story was written in the late 1800's, a time where women had trouble seeking freedom due to male dominance. It appears that Mrs. Mallard is now able to find freedom because of the news she has heard regarding her husbands death. Chopin does a good job tying this idea into Mrs. Mallards characterization of an outcast because of the dramatic irony she uses in order for the reader to understand what is actually happening. All the other characters are left in the dark to assume Mrs. Mallard goes in her room to grieve.
ReplyDeleteHi Jazmine, you have great ideas in this response. I agree that freedom is shown through this story as Mrs. Mallard feels free when she hears of her husband's death. I really like how you brought up that the story was written in the 1800s and the gender roles during this time period. The male dominance over women is a great point. I agree with you that the other characters in the story are not aware that Mrs. Mallard is happy about her husbands death and think she is grieving. Good job pointing out that this was dramatic irony.
DeleteI agree Jazmine! I like your point that the other characters are left in the dark to assume Mrs. Mallard goes in her room to grieve. It seems like often times society doesn't know what outsiders are thinking and why they do certain things. This characteristic of the unknown is a big reason they are considered outsiders.
DeleteIn Katie Chopin's "Story of an Hour", Mrs. Mallard can be seen as an outcast who rebels against societal norms and therefore finds greater self-awareness. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Mallard does not rely on her sister of friend for support as they hoped, but rather isolates herself and reflects. In this reflection, Mrs. Mallard realizes how she must continue to live, coming to the conclusion that, "There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself". This self-awareness Mrs. Mallard discovers is due to her time spent alone, which can be seen as rebellion.
ReplyDeletehey Olivia! I like this response! I hadn't thought about her isolation being an act of rebellion, but I really like this idea. I wrote about similar things, in that Louise did not react in the expected manner.
DeleteIn "The Story of an Hour", Mrs. Mallard takes a new perspective on life once she learns of her husband's death. Although she originally grieves for her loss, she then realizes after this time passes she will have many years in the future that will be dedicated solely to herself. The story implies that before, her husband had made her decisions for her and has held her back from expressing herself. Now she is free to do what she wants and she comes to the realization that her life has improved. This realization sheds light on a weakness in society: the inequality existing between men and women.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear within the "Story of An Hour" that the protagonist Mrs. Mallard was hurt from her husbands death. She was scarred from the loss of her husband that she had doubts of ever loving him. Her mind was lost, and became alienated from society. In a way, this story illustrates what the life of an outcast could consist of. Outcast often rebel against society due to a troubled past of theirs; Or a tragic loss of a love one that has made them see life and society in a totally different light. This realization could either be positive or negative. - Cooper Nielsen
ReplyDeleteIn the story, "Story of an Hour" Mrs. Mallard lost control due to her emotions. When she found out that her husband she had died she broke down, crying like a "child." Mrs. Mallard is then overcome with varying emotions for a short while optimistic ones. But soon enough things turn for the worse and she takes her own life just as her husband returns home not actuallly being killed. This sheds light on the idea that outsiders may be a weakness to today's society. Mrs. Mallard was an outsider who's opinion of life was not the same as those around her after her husbands death. Her negative outlook and wanting to end her own life is a sign of weakness. She rebelled against this society because she did not have the same outlook as the others and she could not bear it anymore, taking her own life.
Delete- Christos Meimeteas
Josh Erhard:
ReplyDeleteKatie Chopin's Story of an Hour sheds a much needed light on the theme of rebellion. Upon hearing the news of her husband's untimely death, Mrs. Mallard does what most people do; she cries and locks herself in her room. However, as the thought of her husband's death sinks in, she breaks away from the stereotypical mourning process and gains a great amount of self-awareness. She realizes that although her husbands death will be sad, that she has now been freed from having to care for anyone and can truly focus on herself. In a way, Mrs. Mallards 'rebellion' points to the differences between a rebel and a normal person. Rebels think about events and concepts differently than most people do, making them valuable to society. It is important to have a diversified society with multiple viewpoints in order to advance the human race.
This is a very good point Josh. The only way that society is able to advance is through new ideas and diversified viewpoints. This leads to a better society and a much more effient one as well.
DeleteJosh I agree. I think that your point on rebels being valuable to society is really accurate, and I think that your idea connects to the main idea: "Do these outsiders shed light on the weaknesses of society?" This is because as you said society is weaker when it doesn't have a variation. If we didn't have outliers than everyone would be the same and society would stagnate. Outliers are responsible for positive changes such as women's rights and much more.
DeleteYeah Josh I value your last point about the diversity in the human race. It can and has led to benefits and advancements throughout our culture and society.
DeleteIn the "Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin Mrs.Mallard is portrayed early on as an obvious outcast in the society when she is told about her husbands "death". The news alarmed her but also gave her a sense of relief. Due to the fact that she was relieved with her husband being gone, she was seen in a negative light. However, the fact that her relief is due to the fact that she is finally free and is no longer in a marriage that she doesn't want to be in. During this time she was being suppressed of her rights because her husband always had control. In this case, outcasts in the society seem to have a more realistic view of what is in a communities best interest.
ReplyDeleteThis story doesn't hit me with many thoughts on rebelling. Although I did notice the outsiders perspective, and how they may see what other do not. The character Louise has a very different reaction to her husbands "death". Of course she displays a quick sadness as she sobs and retreats to her room. But this feeling doesn't last long. Her view as an outsider comes when she realizes she is quite happy. She whispers "free" to herself on multiple occasions. This is truly a strange thing to say when ones husband is believed dead. But others do not see what Louise sees, her perspective as an outsider is enlightening unlike the others. She sees a new life, a positive change in the air. While most see sadness and sorrow. There is nothing wrong with her having this perspective, her marriage may have been unhappy and therefore she sees a new light. This could lead to positive changes to society.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the story is about people outcasting themselves and becomming outcasts, ratger than rebellion.
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Delete"The Story of an Hour" written by Kate Chopin centers around the themes of identity and self realization. In the beginning of the story Mrs. Mallard is devastated to learn her husband has passed away and "she wept with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms." Mrs. Mallard felt as though she had lost not just her husband but her identity as a wife. Then, suddenly she has a realization that she can recreate an identity for herself without her husband. This feeling excites her and allows her to see a life where she lives only for herself. At that moment she seems to become an outcast. She no longer feels the devastation of loss that is usually accompanied by death. She begins to feel empowered and alive. - Cassie Cronin
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DeleteThe sad story of "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin portrays two sisters and the tragic/ironic death of Mrs.Mallard. When Mrs.Mallard gets the notice of her husband's death, it forces her to secretly and publically grieve. This lasts to the point when she sees that her husband is alive and ironically dies. Mrs.Mallard outcast and distances her feelings and her pains from society and those she loves. Allowing the reader to see that not all outcasts are bad people or are selfish people. It shows that many people hold in their pains and makes themselves outcasts from society to protect the people around them. Mrs.Mallard hides her pain so well that both her sister is surprised that her sister dies, when Mrs.Mallard has brrn from depression. Allowing the reader to see that people who outcasts themselves (either emotionally or mentally) are good at hiding themselves.
Delete-Brendan Cramphorn ( don't know how to change google names)
Jack Sauriol
ReplyDeleteIn Kate Chopin's The Story of an Hour, Louise Mallard is a bit of an outcast because of her realization about her marriage. Upon hearing that her husband has died, she is at first sad, as a mourning wife might typically be, but then happy, because she has realized that his death freed her from her marriage. The story cements the character's position as a rebel, especially because her realization and feelings concerning her husband's death would likely have been controversial because the story was published in the 1890s.
I agree, Louise becomes an outcast due to realizing how her marriage has stifled and repressed her, a highly unorthodox opinion of a marriage and especially one that has lasted this long. I think that this ties into how and why she reacts as she does upon realizing this, causing her to be exultant at the thought of freedom.
DeleteAlso the entire story is a metaphor for the migration of the Huns from central asia into eastern europe.
Ben Peters
ReplyDeleteKate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," reflects a central idea of rebellion against society. It illustrates how, often times, outcasts rebel against society out of a feeling of repression or strangulation at the hands of such societies or authority. These subjects seem stifling and at-odds to them, and so they lash out in revolt in a desperate attempt to correct this perceived wrong. This is illustrated by phrases such as "There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence" within the story, showing how Louise Mallard feels repressed by her husband and marriage, causing her to lash out after his death, to finally break free from his influence and power.
Interesting perspective, I like how this is applicable to a much more general idea instead of only the story. We can see this occur both in history during any revolt or revolution, as well as today when people feel society must change. For example, this powerful lashing out could be observed during the civil rights movement.
DeleteMrs. Mallard has an outsider perspective to her own life. At first she is devastated by the news of her husband's death, like most people would be. However, her outsider perspective is when she comes to the realization that this death means her freedom. She is able to look upon her marriage as someone who was not emotionally attached to the person who died and analyzes what this event really means. Because of this, she is able to look past the immediate emotional distress and take on a far different perspective.
ReplyDeleteGraham Preston
Mrs Mallard found her rebelliousness through the "death" of her husband. This brought about a change to her personality and understanding of the world. She became an outsider, and outcast, and she reveled in the peace and openness this gave her. Her joy at being finally alone emphasizes her new stance as an outsider. Her character achieves self awareness and also brings it to the reader through the hope and dream of living only for herself
ReplyDeleteI agree Liz, she is now an outcast, but in a good way in the sense that she has freedom.
DeleteMrs. Mallard shows signs of outsider thoughts or rebellion when her husband dies. Rather than being sad and mourning over it repeatedly, she takes a different view and thinks of herself as free, without someone controlling her. I think a society can benefit and get harmed from outsider thoughts because it could either introduce a new perspective that can evolve it, or introduce a radical idea that could ultimately destroy it. In this case, it can be interpreted as Mrs. Mallard being free to do whatever she wants.
ReplyDeleteChris)
DeleteOutsiders do shed light on society, because they tend to be withdrawn and introverted. Because they tend to live in their own heads, they are free to find their own views and have a different look on society and therefor can see its flaws. Society tends to place value on participating and being a part of society. Outsiders are able to see past this mentality and become full people on their own. this is seen "The Story of and Hour" because when the main character's husband dies, she thinks she's "free" to be on her own. She rejects the cultural need to be a part of something instead of being a whole person individually.
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