tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post6346519761335959891..comments2024-02-10T04:59:03.138-05:00Comments on Mrs. Baker's English Classes: The Story of an Hour- Kate Chopin (1894)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16639907284018599784noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-25031574801296698182011-02-15T21:12:25.992-05:002011-02-15T21:12:25.992-05:00I think this story was BEAUTIFUL. It really explai...I think this story was BEAUTIFUL. It really explains, like Molly said, how some women felt trapped. BUT...they wouldn't use the word "trapped," especially since marriage seemed an obligation, much like college is for us: life won't go on, according to society, if you don't get married (or, for us, go to college). She knew she should feel horrible, but looking out the window and realizing that the whole world was open to her made her think "wow...maybe I'm NOT sad." There's no doubt that Brently loved her so, but she just went along with love, in that normal daze, not questioning her feeling. And when this new feeling of freedom came upon her, she freaked out, because women aren't supposed to feel like that. Women aren't supposed to feel HAPPY when their husband dies before them. <br />Furthermore, I loved the symbolism and the ending really threw me for a loop. I had no idea it would conclude with Mrs. Mallard's death.<br />To all you who say she's crazy: maybe she was, but call her that with care. The root causes of her craziness were among society's expectations.<br /><br />- Tbone Masotta Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-20686749301603656282011-02-15T15:49:51.593-05:002011-02-15T15:49:51.593-05:00i agree with Jarrett it was really confusing to me...i agree with Jarrett it was really confusing to me too at first but in the end i think that her husband was the one keeping her in bondage and now that she was free the thought of her not having to respond to him was so overwhelming that she committed suicide like when she said ''free body free soul.''. i kind of got my train of reasoning from the last sentence like when they said it was an act of joy i just figured that the whole situation was so overwhelming that she didn't know how to respond and that the only logically way to deal was to commit suicide. and maybe another reason why she might have killed herself was because it may have been to good to believe.<br />Lauren N period 5Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-87523179747294211322011-02-15T11:31:16.587-05:002011-02-15T11:31:16.587-05:00This story was a little confusing to me. But after...This story was a little confusing to me. But after reading through it a couple times and clicking on the red links it helped me put the whole story together. I noticed that after the loss of her husband She is finally noticing how much she loved him and how big a loss this is. The whole story has sad notes in it. For example; the peddler "crying" instead of say selling? The whole story has a sad tinge to it. What i wonder though is what significance the window has. i know it means something because all these thoughts are coming from this window, but what exactly does the window represent?<br />-Jarrett L.<br />period 5Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-68551533594322038552011-02-15T11:30:21.361-05:002011-02-15T11:30:21.361-05:00I enjoyed this story although it was somewhat conf...I enjoyed this story although it was somewhat confusing at first. I was unclear as to what she was doing in the room when Josephine was begging her to come out. What was the author refering to when she said she was "drinkning in the very elixer of life"? I thought it was interesting how the author used the patched blue sky to show the combination of happiness and grief that the character was feeling. I'm not sure if a plot twist is a literary element, but i thought it was clever of the author to show the the man that supposedly had died in the beginning was not actually dead.<br /><br />Sam B Per. 5Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-75432817632133536432011-02-15T09:46:27.296-05:002011-02-15T09:46:27.296-05:00Jenny, I agree with you that she died of negative ...Jenny, I agree with you that she died of negative shock instead happiness that her husband was alive. After her epiphany about the real role of her husband in her life, she had been ready to 'mayonaka on with her life (and was actually kinda motivated to do so). She was disappointed when she realized that her life wouldn't be taking that turn.<br /><br /><br />Sreedevi 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-58804843648901498782011-02-15T02:45:41.940-05:002011-02-15T02:45:41.940-05:00Some people thought that she died because she was ...Some people thought that she died because she was so happy to see her husband alive but I think she died because she got really excited about her freedom. At the end, I think “the joy that kills” is her joy of what she got out from her husband’s death. I think she died because her joy was kind of sinful. <br />I thought it was kind of amusing when I read the part where Mr. Mallard came home alive. Mrs. Mallard thought she finally got her freedom but her hopes were crushed when her husband walked through the door. I kind of laughed at her because she jumped to conclusion and was let down. I was surprised that Mrs. Mallard believed Mr. Mallards death because if I was her I wouldn’t believe (wouldn’t want to believe) a death of a family member until I saw them. <br /><br />Stacy,<br />I think don’t think she died because she gave up on everything because she was really excited about her freedom. Also, she keeps whispering “Free! Body and soul free!”. I think she would’ve wanted to live because she probably wanted to experience her new freedom. <br /><br />Ashley Y. P6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-10361560764568083122011-02-14T23:06:28.461-05:002011-02-14T23:06:28.461-05:00When I read the story I found it to be a little co...When I read the story I found it to be a little confusing and wierd at first. It takes multiples times reading it through to understand what is going on in the story. After a few times re-reading I realized that she was depressed and grieving over her husband's death, but then after awhile she was able to find the silver lining and even though she loved her husband she felt free and now was unlimited opportunity whilst before she was tied down by her marriage. I really enjoyed the description of the sky from her window because I think that it accurately displayed her mood. I wonder if she will ever plan to remarry in the future or if she will stay as a widow for the rest of her life.<br /><br />Austin, <br />I also think that she should have been much more depressed and I would think that any sane human being with humane emotions would find no peace or happiness in the death of someone that they had a pleasant relationship, but maybe he was abusive at times or did not let her live to her full potential<br /><br />Jake Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-88645690115328849922011-02-14T21:50:55.106-05:002011-02-14T21:50:55.106-05:00When I first read this article, I found it to be a...When I first read this article, I found it to be a bit confusing. Then when I went back through it and read it again I began to understand it more. I think it showed a lot that she was able to get over her husbands death and find a form of happiness again. I feel that Mrs. Mallard now has a feeling of guilt lifted off her shoulders. Making connections between different time periods in <br /> I wounder if this is something common in the world today? <br /><br />Grace N Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-34374959837365753132011-02-14T12:46:39.512-05:002011-02-14T12:46:39.512-05:00First of all WORST ending ever. As bad as it sound...First of all WORST ending ever. As bad as it sounds I was excited for Louise when she had her little moment in front of the window. For the most part marriage back then meant that a woman had to completely submit herself to her husband. This kind of unequal relationship is shown in the movie Chocolat with Josephine and her husband. Before she left him Josphine was so unhappy in her marriage and didn't really know who she was without him. When Vienne came to see her Josephine was like does "Serge know your here?". Old fashioned marriages like this weren't how I think a marriage should be like and I'm happy we've evolved from that perception. I don't blame her for realizing her knew found liberation, she no longer has to be bound by his will and sacrifice hers. She can now live her own life. But then the author ruined everything by making her die. I know she's heartbroken that this freedom was surprisingly taken away from her but come on. completely unecesary. <br /><br />Molly, I completely agree with you on how this story gives insight on how women of that time period felt in their marriages. <br /><br />Treasure p6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-24925944563841882572011-02-14T12:44:33.564-05:002011-02-14T12:44:33.564-05:00@ Jenny..
I was also thinking the same thing. It d...@ Jenny..<br />I was also thinking the same thing. It didn't make sense to me that she'd die of happiness. She felt so free that her husband couldn't control her life anymore. But when he popped up into her life again, she died of tto much shock. She couldn't have her freedom anymore. So there's no pt. to her life anymore. <br /><br />Anjita p6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-79955765605281061492011-02-14T12:44:23.399-05:002011-02-14T12:44:23.399-05:00I just don't understand why she was happy when...I just don't understand why she was happy when she lost her husband. This is really a tragic event that had no effect on her. She should have took it more seriosly and cared that her husband, the person who she loved, died.<br /><br />Would ever be happy if you lost a loved one?<br /><br />Austin C.<br />Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-1702653471545729042011-02-14T12:41:44.096-05:002011-02-14T12:41:44.096-05:00I think that the whole point of the story was to s...I think that the whole point of the story was to share Louise's realization about her real feelings about her husband. At first, she's torn apart by the fact she's would have to live alone...however, then she comes to realize that even though she did love her husband (most of the time), he prevented her from living her life to its full potential. I think the idea of the patches of blue coming in through the clouds and the fact that its spring foreshadows change and symbolizes her change in attitude towards her husband. <br /><br />~Sreedevi D period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-43226729361147073432011-02-14T12:40:58.977-05:002011-02-14T12:40:58.977-05:00When she first heard the news, I feel she was feel...When she first heard the news, I feel she was feeling abandoned by her husband and so sad that he was taken away forever. It seems they had toubles, but what marriage doesn't? She was happy that she doesn't have to deal with the status quo that, "Man is the high one, and women follow them." She might have died of relief and sadness, meaning she just got herself to realize that she wouldn't have to deal with a man and then he turns up, but she's happy he did because she didn't want him gone forever. <br /><br />Sarah p6<br /><br />Gretchen-<br /> I totally agree with you. I think she's totally gutted that he's gone but happy that she doesn't have to deal with him. She's not crazy, just tired.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-46512223868591013402011-02-14T12:40:56.322-05:002011-02-14T12:40:56.322-05:00At first, I thought that this short story was a li...At first, I thought that this short story was a little confusing because it describes Ms. Mallard as having heart trouble, so I thought she was an older woman. But then later on in the story it tells the reader that she is “young, with a fair, calm face.” I thought that it was good of Ms. Mallard to “recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her” which was the death of her husband, and she wanted to feel happy again. However, I thought it was bizarre how the author describes her joy as “monstrous.” At the end of the story, I believe that Ms. Mallard is actually insane from the death of her husband that she too, ultimately dies.<br />The only real question I have is did she die of happiness and joy? Or because of heart disease?<br /><br />-Julianne M. Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-79810454555199703512011-02-14T12:40:52.987-05:002011-02-14T12:40:52.987-05:00@ Anjita
It is, given that her freedom was so qui...@ Anjita<br /><br />It is, given that her freedom was so quickly taken away from her. Ironically, it was the marriage ending that made her want to live a long life, but it was also the condition brought on by the marriage ending that killed her so quickly.<br /><br />Luke S.<br />Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-68646351642243964652011-02-14T12:39:07.730-05:002011-02-14T12:39:07.730-05:00I found this short story to be very ironic, and so...I found this short story to be very ironic, and somewhat confusing. At the beginning, she was grieving over the loss of her husband, and she sat alone and sobbed. It was horrible news at first. But, I was wondering, what came over her all of a sudden? She saw something when she looked out the window that kind of snapped her out of her mourning. Suddenly, she was almost happy about the death of her husband, and I found that to be very strange. I realize that different people have a different way of getting over a loved one's death, but I would describe Mrs. Mallard as crazy. The notes that it gave questioned if maybe her heart problems were more than just physical, and I definitely agree with this statement. However, I would've reacted much differently.<br /><br />Steph, <br />After reading your post, I thought more about the whole idea of "repression." Maybe her husband wasn't good to her, and she felt free from all the stresses in her life when he passed away. At first I thought she was crazy for being happy about her husband's death, but now I have a better understanding of why she acted this way. Thanks :)<br /><br />Allie B Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-40285940359255421922011-02-14T12:38:25.233-05:002011-02-14T12:38:25.233-05:00That which possesses Mrs. Mallard is said to "...That which possesses Mrs. Mallard is said to "come out of the sky", out the sounds and light. This this could be so etheral because it only exists to Mrs. Mallard, emerging from her psyche like a train crashing through a wall. <br /><br />The fact that she tried to "beat it back" at first suggests that she thought of the spirit as something that she has avoided all her life. Maybe, because it appeared after her husband died, it represented the freedom of marriage, something that she has been conditioned to fear?<br /><br />Luke S.<br />Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-88978789079346830502011-02-14T12:37:32.128-05:002011-02-14T12:37:32.128-05:00"Her fancy was running riot along those days ..."Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own. She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long. It was only yesterday she had thought with a shudder that life might be long."<br /><br />Is it not sad that she dies now that she wants to live a long life?<br /><br />Anjita P6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-73089496886801609972011-02-14T12:37:06.908-05:002011-02-14T12:37:06.908-05:00a little before the end i think that Mrs. Mallard ...a little before the end i think that Mrs. Mallard just gave up and let herself die because she wanted to be with her husband. She allowed her soul take over her body so she could be with her hubby. I wasn't quite sure up til the very end why the words in the red were relating the soul to the body, but that kinda cleared things up i think. At the same time i feel like she was relieved to be done with ending her life and relationships with people. Do you think she gave up because she didn't want the life she had anymore, or just gave up because she had given up on everything and everyone around her?<br /><br />Jess,<br />of course people feel relieved after ending realitonships that were abusive, but most of the time people for a long time feel depressed and upset that the relationship ended and wonder what they could have done better to fix things and keep their relationship working. Ya know?<br />Stacy B per 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-61589481717724806482011-02-14T12:36:12.585-05:002011-02-14T12:36:12.585-05:00Madison,
I totes never thought of the "freene...Madison,<br />I totes never thought of the "freeness" that way. Your idea of her finally being free in death is really interesting and totally plausiable. Me like the concept.<br /><br />-Olivia N 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-71302132537259284172011-02-14T12:35:07.871-05:002011-02-14T12:35:07.871-05:00Olivia, I think she died out of happiness, because...Olivia, I think she died out of happiness, because the doctors say she died from a joy that kills. which is basically another way of saying that she died out of happiness. <br /><br />Shama KAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-44611141390910232272011-02-14T12:34:57.181-05:002011-02-14T12:34:57.181-05:00I thought that the woman's relatives thought t...I thought that the woman's relatives thought that she was devastated by her husband's death, and died of joy upon seeing him again, but she actually was overjoyed at being free from her husband and died of a negative shock at seeing him again. <br />I also liked the part that said Louise drank the 'elixir of life' from the open window; it reminded me of Harry Potter, when Voldemort was trying to acquire the Philosopher's stone to make the elixir of life. <br />-Jenny L. Period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-6992127015876470742011-02-14T12:34:47.163-05:002011-02-14T12:34:47.163-05:00Gretchen,
Your post really made me think. I never ...Gretchen,<br />Your post really made me think. I never considered that other widowed spouses might feel the same as Ms. Mallard. However, is it also possible that she died of joy at the end after realizing he was home? Maybe she even thought she saw him outside of her window coming to the front door and that's why she felt joy suddenly?<br /><br />- alexis A<br />period 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-45877938816299814032011-02-14T12:34:10.895-05:002011-02-14T12:34:10.895-05:00I think it's interesting that her husband come...I think it's interesting that her husband comes back at the end. It was a nice twist that she died, but what do you think she died from. At the end of the story the doctors say she died from a "disease of the heart- the joy that kills." But during the story she seems happy to be free from the imposing and controlling man in her life. Yet if she died from a joy that kills, was she happy that her husband was actually alive? Earlier in the story she says that she usually didn't love her husband, at the end do you think she really did?<br /><br />Shama K<br />P6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33822704.post-58212336238894154272011-02-14T12:33:36.441-05:002011-02-14T12:33:36.441-05:00After reading this story I found it very interesti...After reading this story I found it very interesting how she described her new feelings as being "possessed". I found it odd that she cried for a long time and appeared sad and than she realized she now felt free. Reading this I felt pretty good about the woman, I mean sure, it's sad her hubby died, but she was happy. She decided she'd live the rest of her life living for herself because she never had before. It was probably all about her husband before. It was quite a twist to know her husband came home alive and unaware of the accident. It makes me wonder about how they figured he had died in the first place. I also found it really surprising that she was the one that ended up dying.<br />It made me sad because here she was all excited about this "new life" and almost rebirth and then BOOM she ends up being the one who dies.<br /><br />I wonder if she died because of her happiness or because of the disappointment that he was back... <br /><br />Olivia N. 6Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com