The story of an Hour
The use of rhetorical device in “The Story of an Hour” (386)
“The Story of an Hour” was written by Kate Chopin in 1984. Chopin is one of the most famous female writers in the 19th century history of American Literature. Her stories revolve around women’s problems and how they were treated during that time. Back in 19th century, women were expected to obey their husbands in any situation. There are several rhetorical devices used to lead us towards believing Mrs.Mallard is a much happier woman as a widow.
One of the rhetorical devices used in this story is Irony. Louise finds the relief in her husband’s death, although her sister and Richard are worried about how she would take the bad news. “Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.”(1) But in reality, not only Mrs.Mallard is not sad to hear about the news, but also she finds a monstrous joy in the news. This is a shock to the reader.
Another rhetorical device Chopin used in this short story is diction. After Louise hears about the death of her husband, little by little, the theme of the story changes to a happy theme. The adjectives used to describe what Louise feels and sees are all positive adjectives. “There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window.”(1) The armchair she sits on, after hearing the news, is described as “roomy” and “comfortable”. The window is open and she is facing the trees which symbolize life. “She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life”. (1) Another rhetorical device used here is Perspective. The reader only knows about Louise’ point of view of the situation. Chopin does not mention anything about how Louise’ sister or Richard think about the events. Mrs.Mallard is the only character
“The Story of an Hour” was written by Kate Chopin in 1984. Chopin is one of the most famous female writers in the 19th century history of American Literature. Her stories revolve around women’s problems and how they were treated during that time. Back in 19th century, women were expected to obey their husbands in any situation. There are several rhetorical devices used to lead us towards believing Mrs.Mallard is a much happier woman as a widow.
One of the rhetorical devices used in this story is Irony. Louise finds the relief in her husband’s death, although her sister and Richard are worried about how she would take the bad news. “Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.”(1) But in reality, not only Mrs.Mallard is not sad to hear about the news, but also she finds a monstrous joy in the news. This is a shock to the reader.
Another rhetorical device Chopin used in this short story is diction. After Louise hears about the death of her husband, little by little, the theme of the story changes to a happy theme. The adjectives used to describe what Louise feels and sees are all positive adjectives. “There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window.”(1) The armchair she sits on, after hearing the news, is described as “roomy” and “comfortable”. The window is open and she is facing the trees which symbolize life. “She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life”. (1) Another rhetorical device used here is Perspective. The reader only knows about Louise’ point of view of the situation. Chopin does not mention anything about how Louise’ sister or Richard think about the events. Mrs.Mallard is the only character