View of Oppressive Married Women in Kate Chopin s The Story of an Hour
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The View of Oppressive Married Women in
Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour"
In an age where petticoats and veils stifled women physically, it is not surprising that society imposed standards that stifled them mentally. Women were expected into ideal form, with direction as to how they should speak, act, dress and marry. Kate Chopin who lived during the Victorian era was a witness to the oppression women endured and demonstrated the view of oppressive married women in her "The Story of an Hour" by using setting, imagery and symbolism through the character of Mrs. Mallard.
The female character named Mrs. Mallard is used to portray the oppression of married women. At the beginning of the story, the readers are told about her that she has a heart trouble. This suggests that she probably has a hard life. Correspondingly, the reaction to her husband's presumed death is the sign that she is unhappy in her marriage life. Moreover, the lack of personal identity is evident in her name...