Question

Katie is writing a literary analysis of “The Story of an Hour.” Read a brief summary of the plot. In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, there has been a railway disaster. Louise Mallard learns that her husband, Brently Mallard, is listed among the dead. Alone in her room, Louise begins to realize what this will mean for the rest of her life. Which of the following sentences belongs in the introduction paragraph of Katie’s analysis? A. Written in the late 1800s, "The Story of an Hour" reflects the oppressive nature of marriage that marked that era. B. Mrs. Mallard knows that, from this point on, she can live for herself and no one else; that "all sorts of days . . . would be her own." C. When Mrs. Mallard learns of her husband's death, she begins to realize that never again will there be a "powerful will bending her." D. The author never tells the reader what Mrs. Mallard is feeling, but she clearly reveals this through Mrs. Mallard's actions and words

Answer 1

The best introductory sentence for Katie’s literary analysis of “The Story of an Hour” is option A, as it situates the story within its historical context and introduces the theme of the oppressive nature of marriage in the late 1800s.

Step-by-step explanation:

Katie is writing a literary analysis of “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, where the protagonist, Louise Mallard, reacts to the news of her husband's death. Considering the introductions to literary analyses, the sentence that best fits the introduction paragraph of Katie’s analysis is A. This sentence sets the historical context and indicates the theme of the oppressive nature of marriage during that time period, which is central to the short story's plot and social critique.

Option A: Written in the late 1800s, “The Story of an Hour” reflects the oppressive nature of marriage that marked that era. It provides the setting, which helps frame the analysis that follows, by linking the events of the story to the larger social context of the time. In contrast, the other options delve more into specific plot details and thematic developments that are more appropriate for the body of the essay where evidence and analysis will be discussed in depth.

Answer 2

A

Step-by-step explanation:

A literary analysis is meant explain and interpret a piece of literature. In order to effectively do this you've got to have some sort of claim (thesis) about it. The other options also should not be a first sentence because they assume the reader knows exactly what the analysis is talking about which is not always the case.