The story by Kate Chopin
The introduction of the story gives a clear view of the story that is being analyzed. It provides a clear depiction of the narrative provided. The title of the story is clear for the reader, although it seems to present a deeper meaning. The sad reality and emotions expressed in the story are clear from the beginning of the story. The heart condition that Mrs. Mallard has presents a low mood for the story. The news that her husband is dead may crush her; hence the introduction attracts a reader to the story. The story by Kate Chopin may, therefore, present an emotional but exciting perspective.
The story depicts an emotionally affected lady who, despite having heart problems, she has lost her husband. The sad reality of the loss of Mr. Mallard has negatively impacted the lives of close friends and family. Mrs. Mallard’s sister, Josephine, and her husband’s close friend Richard are faced with a more difficult task. The task involves breaking the news about Mr. Mallard’s death to his wife in the calmest way. The two individuals are well aware of the impact which the report could have on her health, but that is a task that ought to be performed. The death had occurred through a rail accident, a story that had appeared in the newspaper. The sad news is finally broken to her, and she weeps uncontrollably on her sister’s arms. After being paralyzed for some time, she finally composes herself and leaves for her room. The fact that she wants no one to follow her showcases the need for some alone time. The time is necessary for her to emotionally absorb the news and accept the reality that is facing her. She needs the time to reflect on the life that she shared with her husband. She moves to her room and sits by the window on the rocky chair. The story works well to showcase the emotional impact of the news on Mrs. Mallard. Her alone time presents a self-analysis on the life she has lived, and the times she shared with her husband (Chopin, 1894).
The story is sad for the reader; hence it may not be captivating. However, how it is presented presents a rather exciting theme and storyline. The author works well to ensure that the reader’s attention is focused on the story. The story goes ahead to depict how the main character receives the news about her husband’s death. The impact of the news on Mrs. Mallard is also well explained when she moves to her room alone. The story does well in presenting details about the undefined feelings that Mrs. Mallard holds when alone. The emotional impact is well explained, allowing the reader to understand what the character felt.
The author’s purpose in the story is to showcase the emotional impact of Mr. Mallard’s death on his ailing wife. The purpose of a story is essential in describing events and activities in a story (Solheim, 2019). The author succeeds in achieving this purpose as the reader is well informed in the manner in which the character receives the news. The author begins by presenting the psychological, physical, and emotional wellbeing of the character. The story by doing this assists the reader in understanding what risks the character faces when the news is broken. The heart disease, as presented by the author, depicts the health risks involved. The sister to the character and friend to the husband know that it will be a difficult task to accomplish. The character breaks down on the sister’s arms hence achieving the primary purpose of the story, which is showcasing the impact the news on the character.
The setting of the story is in a residential house where Mrs. Mallard resides. The setup allows a reader to have a clear picture of the events that are explained in the story (Sambuchino, 2011). The environment presents a home set up where the news about Mr. Mallard’s death is broken. It allows for the story to showcase consolation and comfort for the bereaved while accommodating other guests. The setting is appropriate for the entire storyline and overall theme. The characters in the story are well developed to give a realistic touch and view to the reader. The author presents the characters in the most believable manner. The main character, Mrs. Mallard’s actions are entirely believable in the way in which she speaks and behaves. Mrs. Mallard’s actions showcase a person who is emotionally unwell and who may not receive the news appropriately. The character role, as presented by the author, is well played out through the story to achieve the objectives. The character helps show a sad reality of life and hence conveying emotional attachment to the reader. The other characters Josephine and Richard, help create the storyline through their realistic acts and feelings. They work well to showcase anticipation when informing Mrs. Mallard on her loss. The characters also play a perfect role in helping achieve the story theme and act out their part in comforting the bereaved. The plot of the story creates enough suspense to grab the reader’s attention. The events are therefore not predictable, instead of allowing the reader to develop greater interest in the story.
The story has an unexpected outcome whereby the main character locks herself in her room and absorbs the news. The ending, however, is surprised when the supposedly dead husband appears on the doorstep. Unable to absorb the shock, Mrs. Mallard collapses and dies. The author uses imagery to illustrate the atmosphere felt by the author while in the room. The description works perfectly when expressing a link between the physical and emotional worlds—the author talks of the delicious breath of rain (Chopin, 1894).
The story, therefore, showcases an exciting storyline even though it presents a sad scenario. The story is recommendable as the author works to give a realistic act by the characters. The plot of the story is clear and flawless hence assisting the reader in comprehending the significant themes. The introduction allows the reader to understand the rest of the story, therefore, ensuring the achievement of the primary objectives. The conclusion to the story is unexpected and shocking to many readers; hence it is highly recommendable.