Study Guide for “The Story of an Hour”  by Kate Chopin

Surprise endings are usually ironic. Irony is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. There are three types of irony in literature.

Ř      Verbal irony occurs when a character states one thing and means another.

Ř      Dramatic irony occurs when the reader knows more about a situation or character than the characters in the story do.

Ř      Situational irony is a contrast between what the reader expects to happen and what actually happens.

1.      Why are Mrs. Mallard's relatives concerned about her hearing the news of her husband?

2.      What is Mrs. Mallard's reaction when she hears about her husband?

3.      Why does Mrs. Mallard eventually lock herself in her room?

4.      What is Josephine afraid Louise will do?  Why?

5.      What true feelings does Mrs. Mallard have concerning her husband's death? 

6.      Explain why she would feel this way.

7.      What literary element is utilized predominantly in this selection?

8.      Discuss how this selection is an example of naturalism.

9.  What possibilities occur to us for what might have been the real roots of the "heart trouble" with which Mrs. Mallard has evidently been for some while "afflicted"?  Is it possible that the doctors have misdiagnosed the problem in the first place?  And if so, what factors may have prevented them from guessing the truth?

10. What would have to be different if Mrs. Mallard's bedroom were located on the main floor of the house instead of upstairs?     

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Q&A: Question: (11/26/2009) what is the element of the story Answer: (2/2/2010) Irony Answer: (1/25/2010) irony Question: (11/12/2009) Why does mrs. Mallard eventually lock herself in her room Answer: (11/28/2009) TO THINK, PERHAPS REJOICE Question: (10/15/2009) Why are Mrs. Mallard's relatives concerned about her hearing the news of her husband? Answer: (10/22/2009) her husband had to go to the bathroom Answer: (10/18/2009) she has heart disease Question: (10/15/2009) What does the open window, the season (spring), and the life outside her window symbolize? Answer: (11/5/2009) the new opportunity she has for a different life Answer: (10/25/2009) new life Question: (10/8/2009) What is an example of an oxymoron and paradox in this story Answer: (1/15/2010) monstrous joy Question: (10/8/2009) Why does the author wait so long in the story to tell MRs. Mallard's first name Answer: (12/7/2009) to show the possesion of mrs. mallard Question: (9/30/2009) How does Kate Chopin reveal character in "The Story Of An Hour"? Question: (9/24/2009) what is Mrs. Mallards first reaction when she hears about her husband? Answer: (11/28/2009) SADNESS AS IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE Answer: (10/26/2009) first she cries histericaly in her sisters arms and after that she goes to her room and doesn't let anyone folow hew Answer: (9/29/2009) locks herself in her room Answer: (9/28/2009) she locks herself in her room Question: (8/27/2009) what is the plot of the story Answer: (9/15/2009) woman dies when hears husband is not dead Answer: (9/9/2009) america Question: (8/14/2009) What is the juxtaposition in this story? Answer: (9/15/2009) appearance and reality ...More Questions/Answers...		Comments:   No comments Yet!