Story of an Hour

The Story of an Hour
By: Kate Chopin
Summary:
This short story is about an hour in the life of the main character, Mrs. Millard. She is afflicted with a heart problem. Bad news has come about that her husband has died in a train accident. Her sister Josephine and Richard who is her husband's friend has to break the horrifying news to her as gently as possible. They both were concerned that the news might somehow put her in great danger with her health. Ironically, Mrs. Millard reacts to the news with excitement. Even though the news is heartbreaking she is finally free from the depressing life she was living. She keeps whispering "Free! Body and soul free!". She now is happy because she doesn't have to live for anyone but herself now. At the end of the story, Mr. Millard opens the door and is surprised by Josephine's cry. Mr. Millard didn't have a faintest idea about the accident. With a quick motion, Richard tried to block Mr. Millard's view of his wife but it was too late. The doctors said she died of a heart disease. The story ends with a short phrase "of joy that kills".

Analysis/ Interesting Quotes:

Mrs. Millard had a fragile heart, her sister was hesitant in breaking her the news of her husband's death. Unlike most women who find themselves in denial after being told something of this magnitude she wept at once. Once she composed herself she locked herself in her room and would let no one in. She was noticing things outside her window she had never noticed before. Things that we take for granted and only appreciate when we are happy. But how could this be if her husband had just passed? She began to weep again and then she was young she was new she was somehow reborn. For with her husband she had been restrained and now she had all this new found freedom she did not enjoy before. She was ready for the world to the amazement of her sister and that of her husband's friend, Mr. Richards’ as well. When she saw her husband she passed and the doctor said...