Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour": A Feminist Reading
There are many forms of oppression in "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. Not only does
Louise Mallard suffer in her medical and marital conditions, but she also poses a threat to
herself, as her sister Josephine warns. This danger is particularly noticeable, since all of the
action in the story revolves around Louise Mallard's preservation. Everything is orchestrated to
save her from any sudden and/or extreme distress. In the end, the equilibrium of her situation is
what survives: Brently Mallard's return signals the return of her oppressive condition and
ensures that Louise Mallard will experience no more than a momentary change in her situation.
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