Comparing Story Of An Hour And Desiree's Baby, By Kate Chopin

In the 19th century, women did not have the option to pick what they needed to be or do in life; it was decided for them. In a marital relationship, the view of a woman’s place in a society is a ‘glorified servant’ to her husband. In many of ways this can affect a woman and the sense of who she is. The three stories by Kate Chopin “The Story of an Hour”, “The Storm”, and “Desirees Baby” demonstrates how easily women can become brainwashed and forced to conform to social norms and values. However, it also demonstrates how women at times, rebelled against these beliefs. In the stories, the women are brainwashed by their significant other, which then turns into a slight rebellion.
Mrs. Mallard of “The Story of an Hour” was a prime example of rebellion. She was so used to being overshadowed by her husband that she never did anything for herself. Based on evidence from the passage, she did not have any freedom. This affected her in way that can put an impact on any women. “She was beginning to recognize this thing that …show more content…
“When he spoke to her, it was with averted eyes, from which the old love-light seemed to have gone out. He absented himself from home; and when there, avoided her presence and that of her child, without excuse.” [pg.244]. Desiree worshipped his happiness as if that was the only thing that gave her satisfaction besides her child. “This was what made the gentle Desiree so happy, for she loved him desperately. When he frowned she trembled, but loved him. When he smiled, she asked no greater blessing of God. But Armand's dark, handsome face had not often been disfigured by frowns since the day he fell in love with her.” [pg.244]. When her husband began to neglect her by avoiding her and their child, it impacted her greatly “Desiree was miserable enough to die.”