Women In The 19th Century

Women in the 19th century were very dependent on men and focused very much on mans needs, even if it meant their happiness. In the short story, "The Story Of An Hour" by: Kate Chaplain, the author uses a hopeful, intense, and jovial tone to show that women can live a happier better life when they aren't controlled by anyone but themselves. Most wives in the 19th century were not happy with the relationship rules that had come with there husbands. " It was not very uncommon for them to commit suicide". (Women In Us History) because " every man had the right to force his wife to do anything he wanted". (Hasting Press). In the story " The Story Of An Hour " by Kate Chaplin Mrs. Mallard was sad at first about the death of her husband but she then looked further down her life to do freely what she wanted, " she saw beyond that bitter moment along procession of years to come that would belong only to her, and opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome" (Apple Bee 625). Mrs. Mallard can now enjoy her new life and do as she wishes without being controlled. After her husbands death she kept whispering " free! body an soul free!" (Apple Bee 625). She can live her days freely without being told to do anything unwanted by any man. The author uses a hopeful tone to show that Mrs. Mallard is a happier person when she is living like a free person and not controlled by anybody but herself. Women had no say in what they wanted, and couldn't do anything about it. Divorce was never an option regardless of the circumstances. If a woman tried to escape, "police could capture and return her to her husband, and her husband could imprison her" (Helan Wojtczak). When her husband died "she fancied the running riot of days ahead of her"(apple bee 625). As she sat looking out the window she came to the realization of how lucky she really was and how her new found freedom would change everything, and how freedom would make everything better. Women in the 19th century were treated very unfairly and there was nothing that could be done. In this case Mrs. Mallards escape was the death of her husband. She was very happy and excited about the life that was to come. When he walked through the front door she dropped dead. Most likely because she allowed herself to think about what could be and how wonderful things could have been without him. His return was too difficult to deal with emotionally, which obviously meant she was very unhappy.