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Selected Reading of British and American Literature
Analysis of Irony in The Story of an Hour
The Story of an Hour is one of the best short stories of Kate Chopin. The story condenses into one hour, and presents Mrs. Mallard’s a series of behavior and mental changes after knowing the death of her husband. Others see is her with grief superficially, but deep in her heart she is filled with huge happiness of freedom. Of course, the freedom is short, her husband's return instantly collapses her dream of freedom, the instantaneous collapse and despair lead to her death. This novel is filled with the author's wisdom and black humor, especially the application of irony, which highlights the superb writing style. The following passage is focused on discussing the figures of speech of irony.
The first place of irony is her reaction upon hearing about husband's death. There are such descriptions, “She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms. When the storm of grief had spent itself she went away to her room alone. She would have no one follow her.” From here, we can see Mrs. Mallard does not behave as many people expect, but unexpectedly, so calm after the short period of grief, which cause suspense to the readers.
Then, the second place lies in the descriptions of scenery outside the window when she is alone in the room. To be naturally, she should fall into deep grief alone in the room instead of perceiving the vitality and beauty outside. On the contrary, “the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life”, “the delicious breath of rain”, a series of scenes draw her attention . From below we know the scenery description is the portrayal of Mrs. Mallard’s mood. She finally shakes off the shackles of her husband, and becomes freedom. Hence here is another irony, which actually shows us what Mrs. Mallard is really thinking about.
After enjoying just an hour freedom, unexpectedly and surprisingly, her husband comes home alive, which makes her new hopes for life break like soap bubbles. She dies. The description of the conversion between them brings the text to a climax. This is the third place where the author utilizes the figure of irony.
The end of the article is a drama irony. “When the doctors came they said she had
died of heart disease--of the joy that kills.” Outwardly, it is her disillusionment of freedom that makes it. However, the people in the story, benumbing deeply by patriarchy, will never know the ture reason which causes her death. Here is the last irony.
In a word, the figure of irony makes the theme of the story conspicuous, making us think deeply about life.
References:
1. Selected Readings in American Literature
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2022-04-18
