Final answer:
The conflict in 'The Story of an Hour' is the internal struggle of Mrs. Mallard with the oppressive nature of her marriage juxtaposed against her brief taste of independence. This tension highlights the theme of women's suppressed roles in society and the impact of societal expectations on one's personal desires.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conflict in "The Story of an Hour" revolves around the main character, Mrs. Mallard, and her sudden thrust into freedom after the reported death of her husband. Upon hearing the news of her husband's death, Mrs. Mallard initially experiences the expected grief but soon realizes her newfound independence. The internal conflict arises as she grapples with the oppressive nature of her marriage and the possibilities of her autonomous future, only to have that future shattered by the unexpected return of her husband, leading to her own death.
This conflict not only drives the plot but also highlights the theme of the suppressed roles of women during the period. The tension in the story serves as a critical part of the narrative as it reveals how societal expectations and oppressive institutions can conflict with individual desires and aspirations — a common theme in Kate Chopin's works. This internal strife ultimately shapes the story's purpose and provokes a shift in the reader's perception regarding traditional gender roles and marriage.