"The Story of an Hour" by American author Kate Chopin is a mainstay

of feminist literary study. Originally published in 1894, the story documents

the complicated reaction of Louise Mallard upon learning of her husband's
death.

It is difficult to discuss "The Story of an Hour" without addressing the ironic

ending. If you haven't read the story yet, you might as well, as it's only about
1,000 words. The Kate Chopin International Society is kind enough to provide
a free, accurate version.

At the Beginning, News That Will Devastate Louise

At the beginning of the story, Richards and Josephine believe they must break
the news of Brently Mallard's death to Louise Mallard as gently as possible.
Josephine informs her "in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half
concealing." Their assumption, not an unreasonable one, is that this
unthinkable news will be devastating to Louise and will threaten her weak
heart.

A Growing Awareness of Freedom

Yet something even more unthinkable lurks in this story: Louise's growing
awareness of the freedom she will have without Brently.

At first, she doesn't consciously allow herself to think about this freedom. The
knowledge reaches her wordlessly and symbolically, via the "open window"
through which she sees the "open square" in front of her house. The repetition
of the word "open" emphasizes possibility and a lack of restrictions.

Patches of Blue Sky Amid the Clouds

The scene is full of energy and hope. The trees are "all aquiver with the new
spring of life," the "delicious breath of rain" is in the air, sparrows are
twittering, and Louise can hear someone singing a song in the distance. She
can see "patches of blue sky" amid the clouds.

She observes these patches of blue sky without registering what they might
mean. Describing Louise's gaze, Chopin writes, "It was not a glance of
reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought." If she had
been thinking intelligently, social norms might have prevented her from such a
heretical recognition. Instead, the world offers her "veiled hints" that she
slowly pieces together without even realizing she is doing so.

A Force Is Too Powerful to Oppose

In fact, Louise resists the impending awareness, regarding it "fearfully." As she
begins to realize what it is, she strives "to beat it back with her will." Yet its
force is too powerful to oppose.

This story can be uncomfortable to read because, on the surface, Louise seems
to be glad that her husband has died. But that isn't quite accurate. She thinks
of Brently's "kind, tender hands" and "the face that had never looked save with
love upon her," and she recognizes that she has not finished weeping for him.

Her Desire for Self-Determination

But his death has made her see something she hasn't seen before and might
likely never have seen if he had lived: her desire for self-determination.

Once she allows herself to recognize her approaching freedom, she utters the
word "free" over and over again, relishing it. Her fear and her
uncomprehending stare are replaced by acceptance and excitement. She looks
forward to "years to come that would belong to her absolutely."

She Would Live for Herself

In one of the most important passages of the story, Chopin describes Louise's
vision of self-determination. It's not so much about getting rid of her husband
as it is about being entirely in charge of her own life, "body and soul." Chopin
writes:

"There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for
herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with
which men and women believe they have a right to impose a will upon a fellow-
creature."

Note the phrase men and women. Louise never catalogs any specific offenses
Brently has committed against her; rather, the implication seems to be that
marriage can be stifling for both parties.

The Irony of Joy That Kills

When Brently Mallard enters the house alive and well in the final scene, his
appearance is utterly ordinary. He is "a little travel-stained, composedly
carrying his grip-sack and umbrella." His mundane appearance contrasts
greatly with Louise's "feverish triumph" and her walking down the stairs like a
"goddess of Victory."

When the doctors determine that Louise "died of heart disease -- of joy that
kills," the reader immediately recognizes the irony. It seems clear that her
shock was not joy over her husband's survival, but rather distress over losing
her cherished, newfound freedom. Louise did briefly experience joy -- the joy
of imagining herself in control of her own life. And it was the removal of that
intense joy that led to her death.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 2:

The older man shuffled slowly down the dirt road, a faded
baseball cap pulled low over his eyes to shield them from the
sun’s rays. He wore overalls and a flannel shirt, his hands
calloused from years of hard work in the fields.

His face was craggy but kind- a life filled with stories hidden
beneath the wrinkles that framed his eyes. I watched him as he
walked, his steps light despite the weight of all he had seen.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 3:

The bustling city street was a melting pot of cultures,
languages, and flavours. As eager shoppers stopped to examine
their wares, merchants called out from their booths. Everywhere
I looked, people were walking, talking, laughing- the occasional
honk of a car horn punctuating the air.

The smells were a mix of mouthwatering cuisine from dozens of

countries, the sound of different languages intermingling as the
conversation drifted through the air.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 4:

The lush meadow was blanketed in soft green grass,
punctuated with wildflowers in all rainbow colours. The sun
shone brightly in the sky, warming everything beneath it with
its gentle rays. In the distance, a stream babbled peacefully as
birds chirped their songs from the trees that lined it.
The air was heavy with the sweet scent of honey, and I closed
my eyes to take in all of its beauty.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 6:

The ancient ruins surrounded a vast desert, their sand-covered
stones looking out over miles of wind-swept dunes. I walked
through the crumbling archway and into the courtyard, taking
in the eerie silence that pervaded the entire site.

The sun beat down from above, its rays glinting off broken
columns and walls that told stories of a forgotten time. Here
was evidence of an ancient civilization that had disappeared
into history.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 7:

The decrepit old mansion stood atop a hill like a silent sentinel
watching over the valley below. Tall windows stared blankly
from the walls, their glass panes long since shattered. The
grounds were overgrown with weeds and wildflowers, a
testament to the fact that no one had set foot here in many
years.

I stepped through the doorway and into what felt like an

entirely different world- a place filled with secrets and stories
waiting to be discovered.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 8:

The silver moon shone brightly against the night sky, its
reflection glittering on the lake’s still surface below. Fireflies
sparkled around me like stars fallen from the heavens, their
lights twinkling in tandem with those of distant galaxies.

Crickets chirped softly as they scuttled across my path while

owls hooted in the distance. Everything felt peaceful and calm,
as if time had stopped to admire this magical moment.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 9:

The beach was a tranquil paradise, soft white sand stretching
out towards an endless blue horizon. The waves crashed gently
against the shore, their foamy spray cooling my skin under the
hot afternoon sun.

Seagulls hovered overhead, crying as they searched for food

along the shoreline. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty;
everything seemed perfect at that moment, from the towering
palm trees to the sparkling sea below.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 10:

The snow-capped mountain peak rose majestically above me,
its rocky sides glinting in the bright sunlight. I could feel the
chill of the air around me and see my breath misting in front of
me as I trudged up the steep path.

All was silent except for a few birds singing in the distance and
the occasional avalanche tumbling down one of the nearby
slopes. Everywhere I looked, there were breathtaking views and
a sense of awe at being so close to such a powerful force of
nature.
Descriptive Paragraph Example 11:
The sun was setting, painting the sky in vibrant shades of
orange, pink and purple. The clouds were streaked with golden
light, completing the brilliant spectacle that was taking place all
around me.

I stopped to take it all in, feeling deep gratitude and awe at

witnessing such a beautiful sight. All my worries seemed so far
away at that moment; here, nothing else mattered but enjoying
this fantastic view.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 12:

The dusty roads wound their way through the rolling hills of the
countryside, lined by ancient trees whose roots had grown
deep over centuries. Wildflowers flourished in splashes of
colour against the backdrop of green fields and blue sky.

The air was sweet with the scent of fresh-cut hay and the
buzzing of bees. There was a beauty that could only be found in
nature, a timeless reminder of the power and magnificence of
the world around us.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 13:

The city skyline glowed in all its glory against the night sky, its
skyscrapers towering majestically above me. Cars whizzed by on
crowded streets, neon signs flashing in their wake,
while music drifted through the air from distant clubs and bars.
People bustled about their business with purpose and energy,
carrying an infectious enthusiasm for life. Everywhere I looked, I
saw evidence of progress and growth; it was a sight that
reminded me just how vast and varied our world is.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 14:

The desert stretched out before me, a vast expanse of red sand
and sun-bleached rocks. The heat was oppressive but calming,
the warm breeze carrying an earthy scent. In the distance, I
could see dust devils whirling across the dunes, throwing up
clouds of golden sand in their wake.

It felt like a place stuck in time, where one could take refuge
from the frenetic pace of modern life and find solace in nature.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 15:

The forest was alive with sound and colour; birdsong filled the
air while shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy above,
dappling the ground below with splashes of gold.

The trees stood tall and proud, their leaves rustling in the
gentle breeze. Everywhere I looked, there was evidence of life;
from the scurrying squirrels to the buzzing insects, it seemed as
if everything had been frozen in perfect harmony and balance.
It was an enchanting sight that made me feel profoundly alive.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 16:

The lake shimmered in the afternoon light, its still waters
reflecting the clouds above. The sun shone brightly in a deep
blue sky, making everything around me seem alive and vibrant.
I could feel the warmth of the sand beneath my feet as I walked
along the beach, watching the waves lap against the shoreline.

Everywhere I looked, there was beauty; from the towering

mountains on either side to the lush greenery that covered
them, it was an idyllic setting that filled my heart with joy.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 17:

The stars twinkled in all their glory above me, casting an
ethereal glow over everything below. I stood in awe, my eyes
searching the night sky for constellations. The moon shone
brightly, its pale light illuminating the darkness and giving
everything an otherworldly feel.

It was a breathtaking sight that reminded me of the power and

mystery of our universe. Here I could escape from my troubles
and bask in the beauty of nature’s grandeur.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 18:

The thunder roared as it rolled across the horizon, creating a
rumbling sound that could be felt deep beneath my feet.
Lightning crackled above, illuminating the sky with flashes of
brilliant white light. The rain poured down in sheets, washing
away all traces of dirt and dust from everything it touched.

This violent storm was both awe-inspiring and frightening in its

intensity, a reminder of the unpredictability of nature. I felt as
though I was witnessing something that could never be
recreated; a moment of beauty and power that would stay with
me forever.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 19:

The autumn air was crisp and clean, filled with the smell of
fallen leaves and freshly cut wood. The last rays of sunlight cast
an orange hue over everything, creating an ethereal
atmosphere that seemed almost magical.

Everywhere I looked were vibrant red, gold, and orange shades

as trees shed their leaves for the winter ahead. It was a beautiful
sight that reminded me how quickly time passes and how we
must cherish each moment before it slips away. It was a
reminder of just how vast and varied our world is.

Descriptive Paragraph Example 20:

The snow fell softly from the sky, blanketing the world in a thick
layer of white. Trees were covered in crystalline frost, and icicles
hung from rooftops, their needles glistening in the pale
moonlight.

Everything was still and silent; it felt like I was the only living
soul for miles. With each breath, the cold air filled my lungs,
and I savoured this moment of peace, so pure and untouched
by modern life. This was nature at its finest, a reminder of how
fragile our existence is.