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Literary Criticism - The Story of an Hour

 

She noticed the double standard and believed that society had people obeying the standard of the "pure" woman.
             Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" is filled with sexuality. Because she lived in a time where sexuality of women was not accepted, the story was not published until later years. The story about a sexual affair, expresses passion and sexual desire. A woman being sexually attracted to somebody other than her husband would have been highly critiqued in a negative manner during that time. Chopin expresses the inversion of gender roles in her stories. The females in her stories, such as Calixta in "The Story of an Hour" experience great feelings and experiences rather than men. Though both Calixta and Alcee enjoy the experience, Calixta shows triumph and not submissiveness (what would be expected of a woman during that time). Some say that the storm in the story represents a "rebirth." As the storm ends, everything was better. It may have symbolized the revolution women should initiate for equal rights. This article is effective on informing the reader the theme a lot of Chopin's work backed up with evidence of her past. It helps the reader understand the time she lived in and how it was reflected in her works.
             Throughout her life, Kate Chopin has searched for female emancipation. Her works reflect her beliefs on female expression. She questions topics such as ideas of individuality and autonomy during the turn of the century. Kate's writing expressed a search for understanding of personal freedom rather than seeking social change like other feminists. .
             Her family had a big influence on her works, and the way she viewed society period. Being that her mother and grandmother were both married and never re-married, she did not see a need for female dependency on a man. She was raised and educated by women. .
             Even her marriage to Oscar Chopin did not change her views as he allowed her be herself and express her views as she pleases.


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