The Awakening And Story Of An Hour Analysis

In Kate Chopin 's novel The Awakening and the short story “The Story of An Hour” feminist beliefs overshadow the value in moral and societal expectations during the turn of the century. Due to Louise Mallard and Edna Pontellier Victorian life style they both see separating from their husband as the beginning of their freedom. Being free from that culture allows them to invest in their personal interest instead of being limited to what 's expected of them. Chopin 's sacrifices her own dignity for the ideal of society’s expectations. Chopin 's sad, mysterious tone seems to support how in their era, there was a significant lack of women 's rights and freedom of expression.
Edna and Louise both feel as though the lifestyle expected of them is not

Chopin’s novel and short story provides awareness of the lack of independence and individuality that women are granted in that era. Chopin’s voices how Louise and Enda becomes accustom to living according to what the man of the house desires. “Then would be no power will bending hers in that blind persistence” (The Story of An hour). With Louise husband being gone, he would no longer interfere with her actions or even overrule what she has to say. Louise would be completely free from his authority. During that time men were of higher power and faced less restrictions. “She has abandoned her Tuesdays at home, has thrown over all acquaintances, and goes tramping about herself , mopping in the street cars, getting in after dark.”(Chopin 77). Leonce Pontellier expects Enda to be on this schedule and fulfill certain duties as his wife not knowing that the victorian lifestyle is not something she desires. While Leonce is able to do as he pleases like going to the Klein’s Club. Enda living according to his expectations does not allow her to be herself. This lifestyle also lacks individuality since it’s expected of women in

The melancholy tone Chopin uses throughout the story implies that despite Enda and Louise seeking freedom from societal restrictions their quest for freedom will eventually end in a tragedy. Chopin expresses how Louise and Edna’s journey to freedom led them both to their death . “When the doctor came, they said she had died of heart disease--of the joy that kills.” (The Story of An Hour). Due to Louise already having a heart problem prior to her excitement of being free this whole situation became overwhelming for her since she felt so many emotions at once. This was bitter irony since everyone thought Louise died from being excited to see her husband when she really died from not wanting to see him. “She thought of Leonce and the children.They were part of her life. But they need not have thought that they could possess her, body and soul.”(Chopin 137). Even though Enda moves out she still finds her herself thinking about Leonce and her kids. Despite the fact Enda overcame a lot of personal obstacles she sees dying as the only real way out her position in