Chopin, “The Story of an Hour” (1891), pp. 106-108

Dr. Watt

Questions for Reading and Discussion

1. What does “liberty” mean as expressed in this story? To what extent does it “gel” with your own concept of liberty?
2. Is Louise Mallard glad to be free of her actual marriage, or of any marriage whatsoever, or of any relationship that might curb her personal will, or . . . ?
3. Does the freedom she anticipates have any particular form or content? Is it positive or negative?
4. Note the juxtaposition between Louise’s actual reaction and how she is assumed to be reacting by other characters.