The Innocence of Brently Mallard in The Story of an Hour...

The Innocence of Brently Mallard in The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin After reading The Story of an Hour, there seems to linger a feeling in the reader or readers of disgust, or even hatred towards the man. This is especially true for those who have read other popular works by Kate Chopin that also seem to subtly cast the male character in a dim, evil, negative sort of light. So it is not inexcusable to assume that the reason Louise Mallard succumbed to such a sad end is because of her husband, causing oppression or abusing her. However, Louise Mallard is not a victim of oppression caused by her husband Brently. She is a victim of the victim of the oppression caused by marriage in the nineteenth century. Louise†¦show more content†¦They were the type of marriage in which the women were the homemakers and the men were the breadwinners. The women had no real social life, that is, no life outside of the home. It may even be possible that she hardly left the house else her white slender hands(445) may have tanned a little and not have been so white. So Mrs. Mallards first name had no real significance. She is merely Mrs. Mallard, the wife of Brently Mallard. It becomes apparent that Louise has found herself trapped inside of a seriously bogus type of marriage. Not long after she finds out about her husbands unexpected death, she whispers the words, Free, free, free(445). This seems at first quite odd, but when looked at more closely, it plainly states that she is free of the wedlock. And just as a newly freed slave would be overjoyed with the feeling of freedom, and not think twice about his master, Louise is happy with her new found freedom and couldnt care less about Brently. Chopin writes, She saw beyond that bitter moment, which is Brentlys death or funeral, a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely,(445) Louise Mallard soon realizes that, There would be no-one to live for her . . . she would live for herself.(445). No longer will she be just living for her husband, Brently Mall ard. Come to think of it, who was Brently Mallard really? Brently as a person has aShow MoreRelatedThe Swimmer By John Cheever1528 Words   |  7 PagesShep Davis Mrs. Smith English 102 27 April, 2016 The Swimmer In the short story â€Å"The Swimmer† John Cheever characterizes Neddy in a selfish and content manner to illustrate his detachment from society. The swim that Neddy starts in the beginning of the play seems fun and innocent in nature. He enjoys stopping at all of his friends and families house drinking every time after he finishes swimming the pool. The drinking depicts his easy lifestyle, lack of care for the world, and his detachment from