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Use Of Irony In Kate Chopin's The Awakening

624 Words3 Pages

Through the use of irony, Kate Chopin expresses Louise Mallard's “awakening.” After Josephine, Louise Mallard’s sister, meticulously notified Louise of Mr.Mallard’s death Louise wished to be alone. Although, Louise was grieving for her husband she became aware of being free, and she wasn’t burdened but rather exultant as well as relieved that she no longer had to live as a Victorian wife. “Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own. She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long” (Chopin par. 17). Chopin indicates Louise was looking forward to the days she will be spending alone without her husband, everyday for the rest of her life. She is excited to have everything under her control especially the way she feels and acts. …show more content…

The irony within this is Mrs.Mallard is looking forward to the days which are going to be her own and to live them without her husband by her side. Consequently, conveying that her husband’s death positively affects her. After hearing the demise of a loved one, it is typically expected to have a yearning for companionship however, it is ironic because Mrs.Mallard is relieved to be alone. Louise was not relieved because she hated her husband, but because she felt suffocated by her marriage with Mr. Mallard, and her lack of personal identity. As Mrs.Mallard rejoices her new freedom, she begins this process of “awakening” to her new life alone as an independent woman. She slowly reaches the realization that she is not obligated to her husband anymore as all stereotypical Victorian women were and is excited for the free life without her spouse to embark

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