The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin - Short Story Summary, Analysis, Review

Welcome to the CodeX Cantina where our mission is to get more people talking about books! Today we're looking at an introspection fiction masterpiece, "The Story of an Hour" (Originally published as "The Dream of an Hour") by Kate Chopin. With a marriage that wears on the main character, this was a very aggressive statement for the women of 1894. What was the cause of her death? Let's talk about it today.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00 Introductions
0:37 Publication Info
2:05 Plot Summary
2:38 Analysis
12:05 Wrap Up and Ratings

====Copyright Info====
Song: Infinite
Artist: Valence
Licensed to YouTube by: AEI (on behalf of NCS); Featherstone Music (publishing), and 1 Music Rights Societies

[TheCodeXCantina]

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00 Introductions
0:37 Publication Info
2:05 Plot Summary
2:38 Analysis
12:05 Wrap Up and Ratings

[katietatey]

I love a short story that ends by slapping you in the face. This is definitely one of those. I mentioned in another comment that I also love her story Desiree's Baby from that collection for that reason. Oh, and Passing by Nella Larsen, although that's a novella.

[chaimaeaitallal]

This is the best video on ytb for analysing this short story. Thank you a bunch!!

[CourtneyFerriter]

This is such a great story and I'm so glad to hear that you both liked it. I've taught it several times and will actually be teaching it again as the opening for my Gender and Lit class next week!
Not sure if there are slightly different versions of the story due to republication under differing titles, but in the edition I use, I always point to these lines in particular and discuss them with students as a good representation of Louise's relationship with her husband: "She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death; the face that never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead. But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome" (paragraph 11). So, as you both noted, it's not like he was abusive to her, but she found the institution of marriage and the social norms/expectations for women to be oppressive.
What Krypto said about the end of the story is how I teach it. 🙂

[rebeccamolnar]

The analysis was just as I thought it was and a very good story. A great concept of the story. Thank you, Professor, the way you did the assignment.

[TheNerdyNarrative]

❤️
This was a super fun analysis/review to watch. Whenever you two really like something, magic happens.

I wonder if she died because while she experienced the fleeting joy of the freedom of marriage, she had a sudden thought of how alone she'd truly be? Freedom might be attractive to fantasize about, but to find it a reality would be the worst. (For me. I really like my husband)

[BookishTexan]

I am behind on these. This is a great story. So much conveyed in so few lines.
"Joy that kills." Agree completely with your interpretation of that line. (Well not the affair with the brother option maybe).

[LiteratureScienceAlliance]

This one sounded really interesting and I really liked hearing the discussions you guys had the pros and cons of marriage and having kids around.

[sterlingreads]

I always forget about Kate Chopin. I read The Awakening when I was a teen. I should re-read it & carry on with more by her. Great video guys!

[lindacardwell]

I would love for you to do an analysis of "Early Autumn" by Langston Hughes. I liked what you said about Chopin's work.

[emersonguergolett]

What a great job you guys do together !!!!

[rigel]

thank you so much. It'll be useful for my textual analysis exam

[EveryoneWhoReadsitMustConverse]

Killer review here of an awesome story. Thanks yall!

[dana.m]

This was so fun and insightful. Thank you ❤❤❤

[mame-musing]

“The Story of an Hour” is one of the best short stories I ever read. It’s language and plot are stunningly efficient in evoking a roller coaster of emotions for the reader.

[reygunz]

I have far too many assignments that keep me from keeping up with ya'll, but I just so happened to read this on my own knowing that I will be reading Awakening in the short future. Great discussion! 👍

[thefont]

Kate Chopin is freaking awesome 😎👍 sensational story pick👏👏👏🌟

[fancyman]

Right before my exam about it, amazing timing! :D

[TheBookishMom]

This is so far beyond my normal realm of reading, but yall have me really wanting to pick it up!

[rotteneggsy]

the man in black tee.. you've got a Michael Scott voice.. we gotta save him.