Study Guide for “The Story of an Hour”  by Kate Chopin

Surprise endings are usually ironic. Irony is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. There are three types of irony in literature.

Ř      Verbal irony occurs when a character states one thing and means another.

Ř      Dramatic irony occurs when the reader knows more about a situation or character than the characters in the story do.

Ř      Situational irony is a contrast between what the reader expects to happen and what actually happens.

1.      Why are Mrs. Mallard's relatives concerned about her hearing the news of her husband?

2.      What is Mrs. Mallard's reaction when she hears about her husband?

3.      Why does Mrs. Mallard eventually lock herself in her room?

4.      What is Josephine afraid Louise will do?  Why?

5.      What true feelings does Mrs. Mallard have concerning her husband's death? 

6.      Explain why she would feel this way.

7.      What literary element is utilized predominantly in this selection?

8.      Discuss how this selection is an example of naturalism.

9.  What possibilities occur to us for what might have been the real roots of the "heart trouble" with which Mrs. Mallard has evidently been for some while "afflicted"?  Is it possible that the doctors have misdiagnosed the problem in the first place?  And if so, what factors may have prevented them from guessing the truth?

10. What would have to be different if Mrs. Mallard's bedroom were located on the main floor of the house instead of upstairs?     

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Q&A: Question: (5/17/2010) What was her later reaction? Answer: (5/21/2010) that he actually died Question: (3/29/2010) what is ironyin story of an hour Answer: (8/17/2010) The doctor misdiagnosed her as dying of joy, when in fact she dies from loss of joy. She loses her sudden loss of freedom as soon as she sees her husband, and it takes her back to the feeling of oppression and lack of independence that she dreads. Answer: (6/29/2010) In order to be independent from the society's norm where men were dominant, she had to die. Answer: (5/21/2010) she was excited that he died cvome to find out he reslly wasnt Answer: (4/19/2010) she is glad he died but he wasn't really dead Answer: (4/3/2010) shes black Question: (2/23/2010) What is Mrs. Mallard's two kinds of "heart trouble"? Answer: (8/17/2010) Physical and emotional. Physical being her heart was actually anatomically weak, and emotional being that she was unhappy and that her marriage took away her freedom. Question: (11/26/2009) what is the element of the story Answer: (2/25/2010) how does the irony in the story of an hour form part of the structure Answer: (2/9/2010) Irony Answer: (2/2/2010) Irony Answer: (1/25/2010) irony Question: (11/12/2009) Why does mrs. Mallard eventually lock herself in her room ???? (9/1/2010)     Answer has been submitted and is awaiting approval. Answer: (11/28/2009) TO THINK, PERHAPS REJOICE Question: (10/15/2009) Why are Mrs. Mallard's relatives concerned about her hearing the news of her husband? Answer: (8/17/2010) She has a weak heart, and they were afraid of her dying as well of hearing the horrible news of her husbands tragedy. Answer: (10/22/2009) her husband had to go to the bathroom Answer: (10/18/2009) she has heart disease Question: (10/15/2009) What does the open window, the season (spring), and the life outside her window symbolize? Answer: (8/17/2010) The open window symbolizes a new found freedom and opportunity. She sees the blue sky, the fluffy clouds, and hears the birds and people sing. The new spring life represent a brighter future and a new beginning. Answer: (6/29/2010) A breaking away from society's norm, where women depended on the men for their social and economic status. Answer: (11/5/2009) the new opportunity she has for a different life Answer: (10/25/2009) new life Question: (10/8/2009) What is an example of an oxymoron and paradox in this story Answer: (1/15/2010) monstrous joy Question: (10/8/2009) Why does the author wait so long in the story to tell MRs. Mallard's first name Answer: (5/9/2010) to show her previous confined life as the wife of Mr.Mallard Answer: (12/7/2009) to show the possesion of mrs. mallard Question: (9/30/2009) How does Kate Chopin reveal character in "The Story Of An Hour"? ...More Questions/Answers...		Comments:   No comments Yet!