...Marriage and Women’s Roles in the Late Nineteenth Century: Kate Copin’s Commentary on Women’s Lives in the Late 1800s Every human being deserves the right to choose how his or her own life is lived. As women in the late nineteenth century began to disassociate with cultural norms of the time period, writers began to reflect this historical shift. In Kate Chopin’s didactic short story, “The Story of an Hour,” the author demonstrates the way many women felt about their marriages during that time: trapped in a meaningless life. Chopin’s story works as a cautionary and informative commentary substantiating how women felt about divorce and marriage in the late nineteenth century, and the author attempts to educate her audience in order to show that women deserve better than a life of servitude to a husband. The circumstances surrounding Louise Mallard’s reaction to the death of her husband are at first predictable but then quickly shift to a surprising response: Louise is elated as she realizes that "there would be no one to live for during these coming years; she would live for herself" (Chopin 353). This realization deontes Chopin’s main argument in this...
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...Gender relations and women’s rights have been expressed through poetry, novels and short stories for generations. Two short stories written around the late 1800’s show an expression of women’s rights in many ways. These stories are Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, and Hills like White Elephants by, Ernest Hemmingway. Both short stories have hidden messages and gender related views that are not quite obvious. I will compare and contrast these two stories in depth and distinguish the many elements of feminism and women’s rights. Story of an Hour is about a middle aged woman named Ms. Mallard who was told her husband had just been killed in a train wreck. Friends and family came to her aid to console her as the news was delivered. At first Ms. Mallard looked disheartened and upset, but then broke out in happiness and relief. She would keep whispering “Free! Body and soul free!” Everyone was baffled by her reaction and pondered the reasons she felt such relief; they thought she was ill. Ms. Mallard was not crazy because in her mind she was finally a free woman. In the story there is a statement about her marriage, “Yet she had loved him—sometimes. Often she had not.” Every marriage had its ups and downs, but there is underlying information that no one knows about her past. The joy that came over her body was so powerful and described as “monstrous” that her hear was racing and her emotions were running wild. As she is in the middle of this joy, her husband walks in the door; she...
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...The 1920’s is a very important time in American History. No decade saw as much change in regards to the role of women in society as the roaring twenties. Men and women each have a unique role in society, and likewise also share many roles equally. Up until this point in American History women were oppressed by a male dominated society and intern were not given the rights, respect, and freedom they deserved. The 1920’s marked the beginning of a great event in which women began stepping up and having a voice. It was a time of liberation for most women. One part of this liberation included the Flapper lifestyle. This lifestyle, not only helped change the role of women outside of the home, but also affected the female influence in politics. The Flapper Lifestyle was a trend that took America by...
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...Walter Mitty” is a short story that was written in 1937. The story features an elderly man who drives his wife into town for beauty parlor visits and regular weekly shopping. Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour” was published in 1894. In this short story Kate Chopin presents her perspective of the repressive role of marriage in the lives of women. This is shown by the fact that the main character, Louise Mallard, thinks that she will find freedom in the death of her husband. Both short stories share common theme of gender roles and marriage. Gender roles are defined as the behavior and attitudes that are strengthened by the stereotypical identity of an individual. The relationships among the form, style, and content of the two stories help us to understanding the essence of gender roles and marriage in the society today and back then. In “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” Walter Mitty is an elder American man who has retired and has nothing else to do except follow his wife around. Walter daydreams about the life he wishes he could have. The main focus of the story is to present a fantasy world rather than a realistic one. “The Story of the Hour” takes on a more dramatic effect. The story reflects an important hour for the main character, Louise Mallard. Louise experiences freedom in this hour. Just like in The Secret Life of Witty where the main focus is on the desire to escape from an ordinary life, so is the case with The Story of the Hour where Louis’ desire and fantasy...
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...The Necklace vs. The Story of an Hour Pamela Richard ENG 125 Lesa Hadley May 11, 2012 The Necklace vs. The Story of an Hour A short story, “The Necklace” (“La parure”) written by Guy de Maupassant in 1884 and a poem, ‘The Story of an Hour” written by Kate Chopin in 1894 are literary works that are very comparable yet are different. The two women, Madame Mathilde Loisel and Louise Mallard, portrayed in these literary works are protagonists who have trouble because of conflicting expectations imposed on them by society. Both Mathilde Loisel and Louise Mallard want something more than what their lifestyle offers them. During the time when the authors wrote these pieces, the social behaviors showed gender suppression/oppression. This essay will compare and contrast elements of content, form, and style between two different literary works. Both authors chose the theme of gender roles in marriage. During the time when the authors wrote theses pieces, the social behaviors showed gender suppression/oppression. The nineteenth century was impacted by the industrial revolution which caused a gap in gender roles, especially in the upper and middle classes (Radek, 2001). Men and women were thought to have completely different natures. Men were considered to be powerful, brave, rational and independent. Women were considered weak, timid, emotional, and dependent. Those differences separated their functions in society. "Men were thought to have natures suited to the public...
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...To compare and to contrast is to identify the similarities and differences that have been found to produce the greatest measurable impact upon student achievement of the nine learning skills. Short stories are always very enjoyable to read. They are very concise but mostly have such a deep message resonating throughout the text that the reader is left pondering over an extension of the story to imagine the possible ending if they were novels instead. The works under consideration are meant to be compared because of their unique theme which reflects how two authors can write similar yet distinctive stories in different times. In anything you write or read there are some similarities and differences with another piece of literature. I would like to share the difference and similarity on the theme GenderRoles/Marriage. The corresponding works that I have selected are “The Story of an Hour (Chopin)” and “The Necklace (de Mauppassant).” I chose to analyze these particular because this subject hits home. I love to read love and romance novels, short stories, and poems. The story of an Hour was my favorite piece of literature from the listed. I think everyone that reads this will have a private perspective. When Mrs. Louise hears from her sister Josephine and friend Richard, of her husband’s death, she reacts with obvious grief, and although, her reaction is perhaps more violent than other women, it is still appropriate. Louis begins to realize that she is now an independent...
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...Living in a technologically advanced society definitely has its perks. Today, we are fortunate to have the internet, Amazon.com to delivery books straight to your house, and wireless handheld e-books. Unfortunately, the days of going to the library to take out books, and speaking with a librarian for help on research rarely happens anymore. That’s why studying literature, and researching topics is essential for us students. Literature can be described as a language. It has been expressed for centuries and throughout different countries and cultures. Literature is a work of art, which has been spoken in different structures and also for many diverse reasons. I believe that literature is another way to view our historical past as well. Throughout history, society has been grateful exposed to different styles of literature; non-fiction, fiction, poems, plays, etc. Literature has a variety of styles; American literature, Irish literature, African American literature, and also Women’s literature are only a few examples. I am charmed by Women’s literature, everything from Annie Bradstreet to Judy Blume. My focus is to show how women portray a major role in the making of great literature, and also their existence in the works of art themselves. Distressingly, for years we women didn’t have a voice and our ideas were pushed aside. An American Editor Joan Goulianos wrote, “There exists a rich and complex literature by women that goes back to the Middle Ages, a literature that consists...
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...“I am woman, hear me roar”. What is the definition of a woman? How do we as members of society, decide what that definition is? Where do these definitions come from? Are they our opinions? Or are they designed by others and transmitted subconsciously to us through various forms of media? The recognition granted to women specifically in the United States is embarrassingly low in comparison in accordance to what we as Americans like to believe. Media coverage is rarely ever focused on women. However, when a female is featured in media, it’s hardly in a positive light. The media contrives and distorts the perception we have on women to present them as sex symbols, basing all importance upon their beauty. One must occasionally think to themselves, “Why does this happen? Why in society do we place a woman’s worth on her appearance?” The sad truth of the matter is: We live in a world completely controlled by men. Alternatively, those doesn't mean only men are at fault, even women pick at each other; telling others what they should and shouldn't do or be. America likes to believe that we’ve come so far in the fight for gender equality. Those who believe this are not only wrong, but ignorant to the true workings of society. In an ideal “Golden Age” it was believed the household was ruled by matriarchy (ANU). However, in what we consider history today, women are always taking a supporting role; sometimes even when they are the main focus. There are many idea as to why women have been...
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...To compare and to contrast is to identify the similarities and differences that have been found to produce the greatest measurable impact upon student achievement of the nine learning skills. Short stories are always very enjoyable to read. They are very concise but mostly have such a deep message resonating throughout the text that the reader is left pondering over an extension of the story to imagine the possible ending if they were novels instead. The works under consideration are meant to be compared because of their unique theme which reflects how two authors can write similar yet distinctive stories in different times. In anything you write or read there are some similarities and differences with another piece of literature. I would like to share the difference and similarity on the theme GenderRoles/Marriage. The corresponding works that I have selected are “The Story of an Hour (Chopin)” and “The Necklace (de Mauppassant).” I chose to analyze these particular because this subject hits home. I love to read love and romance novels, short stories, and poems. The story of an Hour was my favorite piece of literature from the listed. I think everyone that reads this will have a private perspective. When Mrs. Louise hears from her sister Josephine and friend Richard, of her husband’s death, she reacts with obvious grief, and although, her reaction is perhaps more violent than other women, it is still appropriate. Louis begins to realize that she is now an independent...
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...1010 From: Anita Schlicher Fall/2012 Paper III Gender Inequality There have been vast changes in women's rights in the last century. After endless picketing, fighting and jail sentences, women were finally given the right to vote on a national level. Over the course of history, women have found that rights which were automatically granted for men required an exhaustingly large amount of fighting to obtain for themselves. It is unbelievable that the role of the woman had been devalued so much that women were not allowed to do what many women today now consider “basic” things such as receiving an education, holding jobs that did not involve children, or even own property. Even though women today are able to earn college degrees, have careers, own property, vote, and even run for political positions themselves, there are still countless gender inequalities. Children are submitted to gender roles pretty much from the moment they are born. Baby showers involve a sea of pastel blues for boys and soft, delicate pink for girls. Female children are given dolls and doll houses and other cute toys, and are expected to "play house," nurture and take care of their dolls, and play "dress-up," while male children are typically given things such as...
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...This essay will show that Aboriginal women played an important role in traditional Aboriginal culture. It will be shown by their connection and claim with the land and how the women were the major economic contributor to their families. They will be seen as the carers of the camp and the major force when moving from camp to camp . Their most important role will be seen as wife and mother. We will look at her as the nurturer of children and land as her knowledge was passed through teaching by example of the skills needed for survival and the showing of respect for the world around her. We see her as a growing woman going through her initiation rituals through puberty and preparing for marriage. She is involved in her religion and religious rituals. The Aboriginal woman has an important role as an ambassador to potential hostile groups. She holds to her responsibilities as a mourner and a contributor to art. She is an integral part of Aboriginal society and its laws. As the main concern in Aboriginal society was to get food, there was a clear division of labour between men and women of what and how food was collected. Aboriginal woman are responsible for providing most of the vegetable foods by gathering seeds, fruits, tubers, and nectars as well as collecting smaller animals, reptiles and fish (Edwards, 36, Sanders & Evans, 1992, 14). The digging stick symbolises the role of the female (Edwards, 2005, 36) as they used the stick to dig for yams and edible roots as well...
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...Debra Bronstein English 1B Short Story Essay Prompt Essay Due: Monday 10/15 at the beginning of class (100 points) Please write a 4-5 page essay. All papers should be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman), with one-inch margins. All papers must analyze how the rhetorical/formal/symbolic/narrative elements of the short story contribute to your understanding of the text. Please review these terms from your literary terms quiz and your class notes to remind yourself how authors deploy them in the stories. Please choose one of the following topics. Note: I ask a lot of questions within each of the topics because I want to give you many options to consider; however, this does not mean that you have to answer all the sub-questions. Use them as guides to jumpstart your thinking. 1. Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown” Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” Jewett’s “A White Heron,” Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” and O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” track a particular symbol throughout the short story. Focusing on one of these stories, show how the author uses the development of the symbol in order to reflect the demise or spiritual growth of the main characters. Hint: for “The Things They Carried, you can focus on the word carry rather than on a specific individual symbol. 2. Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” and Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” are both narrated by unreliable narrators who go crazy. Focusing on one of these stories, how does the author portray insanity...
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...A major social issue in our society is feminism because in the late 1800s women had no rights and were property. Kate Chopin believed that women should have more freedom and rights. In her short-story “The Story of an Hour”, feminism plays a major role in the story’s purpose which is Mrs. Mallard getting “an hour” of freedom. The short-story must have the element of feminism because the purpose of the story would change. Mrs. Mallard was a woman who had an illness of heart problems and felt trapped by her husband which is a typical woman during this time period. She talks about being “free, free, free!” (Chopin180). Mrs. Mallard feels suffocated and wants “freed from a constricting marriage” (Foote85). When Chopin uses words like “free”, the...
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...Standpoint Theory in a Modern Context: Addressing Concerns of Marginalized Society Lindsey Petersen Arizona State University Standpoint Theory in a Modern Context: Addressing Concerns of Marginalized Society Within the last year, much publicity has been dominated by stories and uprisings from police in connection with the loss of African-American lives. The reactions to these situations vastly differ from the perspective of a young-black male in a low-income community to that of a white, well privileged, police officer. Although African-American males (or any group sharing distinct commonalities) might share experiences and perspectives in regards to ethnicity and gender, they are not solely defined by such categories. To expand further, we can analyze the differing viewpoints of those in privilege in America, to the viewpoints of the marginalized groups to gain better insight into our society. The Standpoint communication theory aims to allow us a point of view through which an individual can see and...
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...Unit 1: Lesson 5: Names and Faces — Chopin and Freeman Stepping Beyond Society’s Limits “Women’s Roles in Society” 1. How would you describe the tone of each story? - “Story of an Hour”: The tone begins with hints of sadness and very quickly ascends into glee with Louis Mallard’s realization of her freedom from a husband she doesn’t loveland a marriage she wasn’t happy in. Then, irony strikes as she discovers that her husband is actually not dead and she not at all free. The tone suddenly shifts from gleeful back to depressing with the Mallard’s realization that she still has to live a life under her husband and then dies of a heart attack. - “Revolt of Mother”: The tone was both scandalous and shocking. 2. What rhetorical strategies were used to assist the writer in achieving this tone? Explain. - “Story of an Hour”: To assist in achieving the tones of sadness and glee, the author used Imagery and Personification: - Imagery: describing her view out the window, her emotions, the idea coming to her, all added to the effect of how upset she was and how drastically her emotions changed once the idea of freedom hit her. - Personification: The author gave this idea of freedom a humanistic quality, like it was a person coming up to her to change her mind—this made the affect and importance of the idea on Louis more obvious. - “Revolt of Mother”: Freeman’s narrative technique assisted her in achieving the scandalous and shocking tones because she was very...
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