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Kate Chopin's Influence On The Story Of An Hour

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Kate Chopin was an upper-class woman who lived in St. Louis, Missouri and New Orleans, Louisiana during the 19th century. She is most well known for her novel, The Awakening, but also wrote a variety of short-stories including “The Story of an Hour.” In “The Story of an Hour,” Mrs. Louise Mallard is told that her husband died in a train accident. Mrs. Mallard then realizes that the news brings her joy, as she is finally free from her marriage. When her husband suddenly returns, alive, Mrs. Mallard dies from shock. The doctor attributed her death to “a joy that kills” (5). However, the reader knows she died as a result of her freedom being wrenched away. The themes and characters of Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” are reflections of her upbringing and life in 19th century America, as well as the beginning of the women’s rights movement. …show more content…

Chopin was born in St. Louis in 1881 to an upper-class family. Her parents were Elize Faris O’Flaherty, who was French-Creole, and Thomas O’Flaherty, who was Irish. Her father died in a train accident when Chopin was four, so she lived with her mother and great-grandmother. Victoria Verdon Charleville, her great-grandmother, became an important mentor in Chopin’s life. She oversaw Chopin’s education, taught Chopin French, and lead Chopin to become a storyteller

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