Freedom In Kate Chopin's The Story Of An Hour

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Freedom is one of the most cherished aspirations of a human being. In the nineteenth century women lost all freedom when they got married. Women gave up their belongings and their lives. In “The Story of an Hour” Louise Mallard gains the freedom women yearn for, but it is soon taken away. Mrs. Mallard’s home consists of three objects that play separate roles in her hope of being free.
The closed bedroom door, in the beginning of the story, symbolizes Louise Mallard’s freedom from everyone downstairs. After her “storm of grief” (Chopin 425) was over she wanted to be left alone. The closed door allows Mrs. Mallard to express her true feelings about her husband passing away and to realize she is free from her marriage. When Chopin states “There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully,” (426) Louise is frightened by her own grief. Then …show more content…
Mallard must live in. Before Mr. Mallard died, Louise was expected to do everything for him. Mr. Mallard practically controlled the front door because he has possession of the “latchkey” (426). Now that he was dead, the front door allowed Louise to go out in the town and explore all her new freedoms. When she comes out of her room with her sister the front door opens and there stands Mr. Mallard. This symbolizes her freedom being taken away. Ultimately the front door killed Louise Mallard. She died from the shock of realizing she was no longer free from her marriage. In conclusion, the door to Mrs. Mallard’s room, the open window, and the front door played a role in her hopes of being free. Each of these aspects let her be free from different things. The door to her bedroom allows her to be secluded from everyone downstairs. The open window reveals the freedoms of the outside world. Lastly, the front door allows Mrs. Mallard to explore her new freedom but results in losing it when she sees Mr. Mallard behind the door. This ultimately leads to her
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