Love and Hate in Literature
Jennifer Alexander
English 102
February 27, 2013
Love and Hate in Literature
Themes of love and hate are commonly used in literature. Love and hate are a part of everyday life. In Story of an Hour and Popular Mechanics love and hate are clearly portrayed. The saying “Hate is the death of love,” can be related to both stories.
In Story of an Hour, Mrs. Mallard is described as “Young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength.”(Story of an Hour, pg 46) I believe this is description of a repressive marriage. Mrs. Mallard is repressed by a life of cleaning and cooking. Women of this era were responsible for cleaning, cooking and having children. This was an era where the husband was in control. Was Mrs. Mallard tired of being controlled? “She sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul.”(Story of an Hour,pg 46) Was this exhaustion an exhaustion of being controlled? Was her “Afflicted heart trouble,” caused by the stress of her marriage? Does this exhaustion from repression kill a marriage of love? Yes it does. When Mrs. Mallard was informed of her husband’s death she whispered “Free, free, free.” Free of a life of repression. Unfortunately, Mrs. Mallard would not live for herself for long. She died of joy- joy that kills.
In Popular Mechanics, there is description of hate as well. “Son of a bitch! I’m so glad you’re leaving! She began to cry. You can’t even look me in the face, can you?’ Not only was the wife upset because the husband was leaving, but she was also upset because the husband’s lack of eye contact. Was the husband’s lack of eye contact due to his hate for his wife? Was the husband or wife unfaithful? (Popular Mechanics) This would cause hate between both parties. The husband leaving could symbolize the death of their love. The baby born into this union symbolizes the love the couple once had. The struggling over the baby also
English 102
February 27, 2013
Love and Hate in Literature
Themes of love and hate are commonly used in literature. Love and hate are a part of everyday life. In Story of an Hour and Popular Mechanics love and hate are clearly portrayed. The saying “Hate is the death of love,” can be related to both stories.
In Story of an Hour, Mrs. Mallard is described as “Young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength.”(Story of an Hour, pg 46) I believe this is description of a repressive marriage. Mrs. Mallard is repressed by a life of cleaning and cooking. Women of this era were responsible for cleaning, cooking and having children. This was an era where the husband was in control. Was Mrs. Mallard tired of being controlled? “She sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul.”(Story of an Hour,pg 46) Was this exhaustion an exhaustion of being controlled? Was her “Afflicted heart trouble,” caused by the stress of her marriage? Does this exhaustion from repression kill a marriage of love? Yes it does. When Mrs. Mallard was informed of her husband’s death she whispered “Free, free, free.” Free of a life of repression. Unfortunately, Mrs. Mallard would not live for herself for long. She died of joy- joy that kills.
In Popular Mechanics, there is description of hate as well. “Son of a bitch! I’m so glad you’re leaving! She began to cry. You can’t even look me in the face, can you?’ Not only was the wife upset because the husband was leaving, but she was also upset because the husband’s lack of eye contact. Was the husband’s lack of eye contact due to his hate for his wife? Was the husband or wife unfaithful? (Popular Mechanics) This would cause hate between both parties. The husband leaving could symbolize the death of their love. The baby born into this union symbolizes the love the couple once had. The struggling over the baby also
Cited: Story of an hour.Shmoop.com.February 24,2013 Story of an hour.katechopin.org.February 24,2013