"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men it must be daily earned and refreshed or it will wither and die." .
Dwight D. Eisenhower .
.
In every piece of literature, a deeper meaning can be found. Many literary works reveal the same universal truths, but take very different approaches in doing so. Both Kate Chopin's "Story of an Hour" and Edwin Arlington Robinson's "Richard Cory" show their readers that without freedom there is death.
Chopin's "Story of an Hour" and Robinson's "Richard Cory" demonstrate the affect that freedom has on the heart. Both works of literature refer to beating hearts. Mr. Cory of "Richard Cory" causes "fluttered pulses" when he speaks to the people on the street. His attention makes others feel alive and free. He appears to be free of worry, but he shoots himself. When Mrs. Mallard of "Story of an Hour" hears that her husband has been killed, "her bosom rose and fell tumultuously." The news of her new freedom causes a great deal of excitement. However, when she learns that her husband is still alive, and that she is losing her newfound freedom, her heart gives out. .
Actions reflect a person's freedom. This is demonstrated in both literary works. Mrs. Mallard is not free to do as she pleases. Her husband controls her actions; she does as he would have her do. Chopin demonstrates this by referring to Mrs. Mallard as Louise only after her husband's death. Before she believed Mr. Mallard to be dead, she is only identified as Mrs. Mallard; this shows that even her identity is based on her husband. Mr. Cory's actions show that he is not free. Although it appears "that he was everything to make us wish that we were in his place," Robinson reveals that Mr. Cory is not free from troubles. Robinson does this by telling us quite bluntly of Mr. Cory's suicide.
Finally, freedom is revealed by one's spirit.
