Essay on Structural Technique in The Story of an Hour by...

Structure provides guidance to the reader throughout a short story. Kate Chopin uses structural techniques to enhance â€Å"The Story of an Hour† from beginning to end. She follows formal structure to a certain degree, but occasionally strays to actual structure. Upon analysis of the organization of Chopin’s story, the reader understands the powerful meaning that is expressed in such a short piece. Initially, a short story begins with an exposition. This is the laying out of important background information, characters, and setting. Chopin’s story is only a few short paragraphs in length, so her exposition is almost overlooked. However, she does provide one detail that is essential to appreciating Mrs. Mallard. Louise is described as needing†¦show more content†¦Continuing, Chopin provides the crisis to aid in the structure of â€Å"The Story of an Hour.† The crisis is the initiation of tension and provides the turning point in a story. Mrs. Malla rd’s reaction to the news is considered the crisis in this story. Upon hearing of her husband’s death, Louise â€Å"instantly grasps it† (Shmoop) and locks herself in her room to cry. The majority of widows would reject the announcement and insist that their husbands would be coming home any second. Louise proves to be an â€Å"unusual widow† (Shmoop), which drives the story to a unique situation. Since Mrs. Mallard acts like this, readers begin to ponder the intentions of her and the initial vulnerability she possesses. Chopin uses the crisis to lead up to the climax. While readers are questioning Louise, Chopin sneaks in the unusual climax and shocks them. Finally, readers reach the climax. Chopin wonderfully delivers a climax that strikes readers and may be considered disturbing. The purpose of a climax is to declare a high point and reveal any acceptance. In â€Å"The Story of an Hour† acceptance is an understatement. Mrs. Mallard finds herse lf declaring freedom and feeling relief, by the death of her husband. She no longer dreads her long years to come, but instead welcomes them with open arms. Her sickening feeling of victory confirms her anticipation for life after her husband’s death. She is â€Å"drinking in a very elixir of life† (Chopin, 294) that comes withShow MoreRelated â€Å"Stylistic Techniques in Kate Chopin’s The Story of an Hour† 1108 Words   |  5 Pagesand engaging a piece of literature possesses the power to create a substantial contribution. One such great writer, Kate Chopin often wrote about an alternative way of thinking in regards to a women’s position in the 19th Century. Chopin was well known for some of the most shaping feminist stories and novels during her time. Accordingly, in her short story â€Å"The Story of an Hour† Chopin tells the tale of Mrs. Mallard’s reaction to the death of her husband, instead of fearing the forlorn widow yearsRe ad MoreMaya Angelou And Still I Rise897 Words   |  4 PagesIn â€Å"The Story of an Hour† and the poem â€Å"Still I Rise† Kate Chopin and Maya Angelou have explored the theme of oppression in a variety of different ways. â€Å"The Story of an Hour† is a short story based around how dramatically things can change within the space of an hour and how this can affect your life in the short period of time. Within the hour Mr Mallard is presumed dead in a railroad disaster, resulting in Mrs Mallard short lived ‘freedom’ after years of being oppressed, before soon learning that