Question

Story of an hour

1)Can we read Louise Mallard's "heart trouble," beyond the literal meaning? What could that mean in the context of Mrs. Mallard's relationship with her husband?

2) She arose at length and opened the door to her sister's importunities. There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory. She clasped her sister's waist, and together they descended the stairs. Richards stood waiting for them at the bottom
What do the underlined words reflect about Mrs. Mallard?

Answer 1

1) In "The Story of an Hour," Louise Mallard's "heart trouble" can be read as a metaphor for her emotional state and the turmoil she experiences in her marriage. The fact that her heart condition is not specified suggests that it is not a medical condition, but rather a psychological or emotional one. This is reinforced by the way that her heart trouble is described as a "storm" that passes over her, suggesting that it is linked to her emotional state. In the context of Mrs. Mallard's relationship with her husband, her heart trouble could represent the emotional strain and repression she experiences in her marriage, which is further emphasized by the way she feels a sense of freedom and release when she hears of her husband's death.

2) The underlined words "feverish triumph" and "goddess of Victory" reflect a sense of elation and empowerment that Mrs. Mallard experiences in the wake of her husband's death. These words suggest that she feels a sense of triumph and victory over the constraints that her marriage had placed on her, and that she is now free to live her life as she chooses. The fact that she carries herself like a goddess also suggests a sense of power and authority that she has not experienced before. This is a significant shift from the beginning of the story, where she is depicted as being weak and powerless, and it underscores the transformative effect that the news of her husband's death has on her.

Answer 2

These are excellent insights into the deeper significance and symbolism in the story.

1) "Heart trouble" likely refers metaphorically to Mrs. Mallard's emotional distress and anguish in her marriage. Her heart has been troubled by her husband's controlling and oppressive nature. So when she thinks he has died, her heart is finally "free" of that trouble.

2) The underlined words showing her as a "goddess of Victory" reflect her sense of liberation, empowerment and triumph in that moment. After years of oppression, she feels she has conquered her fate and won her freedom and independence. She sees it as a supreme victory.

3) That Victory and empowerment are short-lived, however, highlighting the poignancy of her position. She is thrilled at the thought of escaping her marriage, only to have her husband abruptly return and dash those hopes. So the language suggests her inner strength and defiance, even though her external circumstances remain unchanged.

4) There are also hints of bitterness in her reaction to seeing her husband again, suggesting the depth of resentment she has harbored all these years. The story subtly conveys how she has been compromise and crushed, rather than liberated, in her marriage.

Overall, the details are rich with metaphorical and symbolic meaning highlighting Mrs. Mallard's complex inner life and the tragedy of her situation. Please let me know if you have any other questions!