Works Cited Preliminary Page Next week you will be completing a research paper on one of the works you read during this course. To prepare for writing the paper, choose the work you will write about a

Bacuylima 3

Jennifer Bacuylima

St. Thomas University

Chopin's Themes and Struggles

Discuss similar themes and symbolism in the two works you read by Kate Chopin.

In both "Désirée's Baby" and "The Story of an Hour," Kate Chopin explores the themes of identity, freedom, and the oppression of women within the confines of marriage. In "Désirée's Baby," Désirée’s identity is questioned when her racial background becomes the focus, leading to her downfall and ultimate disappearance. Similarly, in "The Story of an Hour," Louise Mallard briefly experiences a sense of freedom after hearing of her husband's death, only to have it snatched away when he returns (Chopin). Symbolism also plays a key role in both stories. In "Désirée's Baby," the bayou represents the unknown and eventual loss of Désirée, while in "The Story of an Hour," the open window symbolizes the freedom and opportunities Louise envisions during her brief respite from the bonds of marriage. Both stories reflect Chopin's critique of societal expectations placed upon women and the tragic consequences of their struggle for autonomy.

Explain how and/or why Chopin's characters struggle with themselves and their loved ones.

Chopin’s characters in both stories struggle with internal and external conflicts related to their identities and roles within marriage. In "Désirée's Baby," Désirée battles with her sense of self-worth when her husband, Armand, accuses her of having African ancestry. The rejection from Armand, the man she loves, drives her to question her identity and ultimately leads to her tragic demise (Chopin). In "The Story of an Hour," Louise Mallard struggles with her emotions upon hearing of her husband’s death, feeling an unexpected sense of liberation rather than sorrow. This internal conflict between societal expectations of grief and her private longing for independence highlights her strained relationship with her husband and marriage as an institution. Both women are constrained by societal norms and the power dynamics in their marriages, which leads to their emotional and physical undoing. Chopin's portrayal of these struggles emphasizes the harsh realities women faced in their quest for freedom and self-realization during her time.

Works Cited

Chopin, Kate. "The Story of An Hour". 1894. https://archive.vcu.edu/english/engweb/webtexts/hour/. 24 October 2024.

Chopin, Kate. Désirée’s Baby. 24 November 1892. https://www.katechopin.org/pdfs/desirees-baby.pdf. 24 October 2024.