A Joy that Kills -- Louise's Paradox

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A Joy that Kills – Louise's Paradox When entering into marriage, couples often have some hesitancy or reservations, many of which center on the idea of freedoms lost. Spouses are around much of the time, wake up to the same face each morning, try to accommodate the other's desires, and often are expected to justify their actions. The idea of freedoms lost (and the possible regaining of them) is a key theme in Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour.” Mrs. Chopin uses vivid imagery and descriptive detail to contrast the main character's rich possibilities in the absence of marriage and the drab reality of her everyday life. The nature of the main character's everyday life is not expressed as directly as in the imagery used to describe the day her husband apparently dies. One of the poignant glimpses into Louise Mallard's drab reality occurs when she retreats to her room and sinks into “a comfortable, roomy arm chair” (par. 4). The chair symbolizes security and outward physical comfort – the primary benefits of her marriage to Brently. Even though Brently “never looked save with love upon her” (par. 13), he neglected to give her the support and freedom she needed to function as an emotionally mature, fulfilled woman. Likewise, when Brently “entered, a little travel-stained, composedly carrying his gripsack” (par. 21), one has to wonder why he is described as travel-stained since “he had been far from the scene of the accident” (par. 21). If he was not on the train the description seemingly goes beyond just a report of his clothes to focus on the symbolism inherent in his mode of dress. Additionally, the use of the word gripsack as opposed to briefcase reflects the lack of emotional intimacy in their marriage. Moreover, the use of the words paralyzed (par. 3), sank, pressed down (par. 4), abandoned (par. 11), and escaped (par. 11) suggest

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