In "The Story of an Hour," by Kate Chopin, the main character Mrs. Mallard, was gently broken the news that her husband has passed away in a very tragic accident. Mrs. Mallard is, in a way, being sheltered from the tragedy that it is. Because of this protection Mrs. Mallard is not able to experience full emotion. Chopin uses symbolism, irony to support the fact that her very existence is dependent on the environment around her. Chopin first shows symbolism "she could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air" (236), the window represents the emotion that she sees, but can't feel. The window represents the threshold that she must cross to reach the rebirth that is awaiting her. The tops of the trees signify the new life that is anticipating. The breath of rain symbolizes the cleansing and new growth that the news has brought her. .
Symbolism is also used in the quote "there stood, facing the open window, a comfortable, roomy armchair. Into this she sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul." (236) the chair represents her initially being comfortable with the depression that she has always known. She made the conscious decision to sit in her comfortable chair in front of the window because she wants to explore her unfortunate freedom .
she has earned by the tragedy of her husband. In this moment she is contemplating on whether to stay in her comfort zone or to venture out. Her heart trouble is an asset into her decision to venture out and explore her new earned freedom. Mrs. Mallard is conscious of the fact that either extreme she goes to can eventually lead to her overall demise. .
Dramatic irony is shown in this story through her locking herself in her room contemplating her recent news and how she's going to react to it.
