Satisfaction, Gratification And Destruction

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Satisfaction, Gratification and Destruction A woman’s search for satisfaction and gratification, although necessary, can end in destruction. The similarities in “The Necklace”, by Guy de Maupassant and “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, will examine both the differences and similarities in this quest and argue why this topic is important to women and history. In addition to the obvious theme of irony that both stories have in common, there are meaningful connections that point to a larger issue of a woman’s place in society. Although Mathilde Loisel and Louis Mallard are not alike on the outside, they share distinctive characteristics that connect them in the search for a meaningful and purposeful life. Analysis of both stories pose the question: Is it ever appropriate to desire more from life? Are desires of wanting more, always destructive? Decades following the 1830’s were known in sociology circles as the Second Great Awakening. The trend was towards repressiveness. Thus, the thoughts and behaviors of both Ms. Loisel and Ms. Mallard should not be surprising considering the era in which these stories were written. Nineteenth Century Women: Trapped, Limited and Restricted The idea that marriage is governed by male perennial authority that is better, simply because they define an unchanging aspect of society, is a consistent theme often hidden throughout each story. In “The Necklace”, Monsieur Loisel makes it his obligation to make his wife happy. The reader is first introduced to him when he comes home with an invitation to a grand social event and anticipates that this will please his wife. He continues this pattern when he acquiesces to her demand for a party dress that they cannot afford. In the end, he never allows his wife to be accountable for any of her own actions. Gender identity is a primary emotional reality, especially when
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