In The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, what are some words and phrases in her story to describe Kate’s story?

Question

I think some words are free and monstrous joy to describe her story.

Answer 1

In "Story of an Hour," there's a lot of repetition in the way of describing Louise Mallard. Chopin refers to Mrs. Mallard as having "heart trouble," which therefore implies that she is weak-hearted, due to, not disease, but being under her husband's control throughout their entire marriage. Mrs. Mallard is also described as repressed, but strong, as shown in the line, "She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength." This lines displays the is explaining that, while Mrs. Mallard was repressed by her husband and therefore has a weak heart and will from the treatment she has endured over the years, she also has this sort of strength to her because not every woman would have been able to deal with the traumas she has had to deal with.

I also agree with you; describing Mrs. Mallard as "free" and of "monstrous joy" works because, once she accepts her husband's death, she begins to feel that release from oppression and starts to feel full of freedom and "monstrous joy."

Hope this helps!