Final answer:
In 'The Story of an Hour,' Kate Chopin critiques Victorian social norms by portraying the protagonist's brief feeling of liberation as a response to her oppressive marriage, ultimately suggesting the necessity for women's liberation and hinting at the need for a social reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
Critique of Victorian Social Norms in 'The Story of an Hour'
The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin is a poignant short story that critiques Victorian social norms regarding marriage and the roles of women. The protagonist, Mrs. Louise Mallard, experiences a brief feeling of liberation upon hearing the news of her husband's death, which suggests an oppressive environment in her marriage. This moment of liberation is short-lived, however, and is tragic in both its brevity and the irony of its conclusion.
Through Chopin's narrative, we can see a clear criticism of the Victorian ideals of marriage where women were supposed to be totally dependent on and submissive to their husbands. The story contradicts traditional gender roles by showcasing Mrs. Mallard's yearning for freedom and identity outside of her marriage. Rather than affirming the status quo, The Story of an Hour suggests that the existing social structure is detrimental to women's autonomy and well-being.
The correct answer to the question is: (b) It criticizes Victorian social norms and suggests reform through women's liberation. It does this by showing the oppressive effects of the patriarchal society on women and by hinting at the need for women to have independence and identity beyond the role of a wife.