Final answer:
In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, the author uses dark and light imagery to convey the protagonist's emotional journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, the author uses dark and light imagery to convey the protagonist's emotional journey. At the beginning of the story, Mrs. Mallard is described as having a heart trouble, which sets a dark and somber tone.
When she learns of her husband's death, there is an immediate contrast between the dark news and the light that enters her room through an open window, symbolizing the potential freedom and joy she feels in that moment. As Mrs. Mallard reflects on her newfound independence, the author uses light imagery to convey her hopeful and joyful emotions. However, when her husband returns alive, the light disappears and is replaced by darkness once again, symbolizing the loss of her freedom and the crushing weight of societal expectations.
This use of dark and light imagery serves to highlight the protagonist's emotional transformation throughout the story.