The Story Of An Hour Response Journal

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Response Journal: “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin Quote: “She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept is significance.” (197) Response: “The Story of an Hour,” a short story by Kate Chopin, is the story of one hour in her life, which although short-lived, brought her both comfort and sorrow. The story reflects her true feelings, during a time when conservative and orthodox conduct were expected. Upon the disclosure to Mrs. Mallard, that her husband has been killed in an accident, she bursts into tears. One assumes she is grief-stricken, and only further into the story, do we begin to realize that her tears are of joy and exhuberation. She is finally free from the restrictive clutches of her seemingly conventional marriage. That is until she discovers that Mr. Mallard is still alive, at which point she then collapses and perishes herself! The premise of the story is eerily reminiscent of certain events in my own life. As I read the story, I could relate to Mrs. Mallard on a personal level. The quote tests a normal reaction to what most people would consider horrific news, against her own bizarre acceptance. Mrs. Mallard’s seemingly normal life, coupled with her own feelings about her existence are revealed in the story. My father raised me, and in my up-bringing, he taught me to be very independent, never relying on others for help in any way. He instilled in me, always to be self-sufficient and strong, to look after myself, and to make myself happy. He inspired this at a very early age, and continued all through my young adult life, and even into adulthood. As a result of this, as my friends and family will attest, I am very strong-willed, independent, and determined, yet always polite in my independence. Like Mrs. Mallard, in relationships I tend to, “act with proper regard,” all the

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