Story of an Hour—Kate Chopin

Pre-Reading/Bellringer: Before reading Story of an Hour, read each statement and write if you agree or disagree with each statement and explain your reasoning.

1. People are expected to react in a certain way when a close relative dies.

2. Marriages are not always perfect, but spouses are sad when the other passes away.

3. Women depend on their husbands today just as they did in the 1800- 1900s.

4. Women often feel trapped in their marriages.

5. When in a relationship, one person has the right to impose his or her will on the other person.

6. When in a relationship, both parties are usually guilty of imposing his or her will on the other person.

7. When married, a spouse should hide his or her bad feelings about the other person.

8. When people close to us die, we can feel guilty about things we think or say about them.

9. Today, women are more independent than they were in the 1800s.

10. Desiring independence is selfish; people should live for others.

Reading Comprehension

Put the following events in chronological order (from 1-10) as they appear in the story. This will help you further understand the story's content and the important instances where events are linked to complete the action or telling of events.

_____ Mrs. Mallard retreats to her room upstairs.

_____ She exclaims: "Free! Body and soul free!"

_____ Mrs. Mallard died of heart disease--of joy that kills.

_____ She felt something coming to her.

_____ Richards tells Mrs. Mallard about the railroad accident.

_____ The front door opens and Mr. Mallard enters.

_____ She remembers her life with Mr. Mallard.

_____ Mrs. Mallard cries with abandon in her sister's arms.

_____ Josephine asks Mrs. Mallard to open the bedroom door before she becomes sick.

_____ Mrs. Mallard notices the signs of spring: the trees, the sky, the birds singing.

Critical Response

1. Compare Mrs. Mallard's initial reaction to her husband's death with her emotions once she is alone in her room.

2. What sensory images (sight, sound, smell, etc.) help in the revelation of her feelings and emotions?

3. What kind of relationship do the Mallards have?

4. What kind of life does she think she will lead as a widow?

5. What is your opinion about the story's resolution?