The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and the Story of an Hour Essay Example
Jurrell D. Harrison
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Story of an Hour
Introduction to Literature
Professor Daw
Monday 12th December 2011
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, written by James Thurber (1939) and the Story of an Hour written by Chopin (1894) are the two literary works that will be compared and contrasted in this paper. Both these pieces depict some of the trials and tribulations of a union in marriage, such as the want of independence and excitement; experiences that a marriage can inadvertently inhibit. Not only do both these stories illustrate some of the wants or needs that arise out of marriage, but they both also show how at times; the only means by which desire or necessity can be satisfied or experienced, is within the confines of one’s mind. Additionally, both works illustrate a sense of confinement that can arise out of marriage. Mitty’s confinement is illustrated trough is daydreams, where as Mrs. Mallard’s is illustrated through her emotions and reactions. The themes of these two pieces, restriction and excitement, or lack there of will be compared and contrasted in the following paragraphs. Also, the structure, style and literary elements of both works will be analyzed and discussed.
Thurber’s protagonist, Walter Mitty, who will be referred to, as Mitty hereafter, is an ordinary man whom frequently daydreams of being extraordinary. This daydreaming explicitly illustrates Mitty’s want for excitement, excitement that has been inhibited by his wife. Similarly, Mrs. Mallard, the main character in Chopin’s work, is a woman whose devotion to her husband is limitless. However it would seem as though this devotion is not genuine, Chopin alludes that Mrs. Mallard says with her husband because she has grown accustomed to him, and remains with him out of tradition and comfort. Thus, it becomes apparent that Mrs. Mallard, like Mitty, is dissatisfied with her life. It is interesting to note that both their dissatisfaction
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and The Story of an Hour
Introduction to Literature
Professor Daw
Monday 12th December 2011
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, written by James Thurber (1939) and the Story of an Hour written by Chopin (1894) are the two literary works that will be compared and contrasted in this paper. Both these pieces depict some of the trials and tribulations of a union in marriage, such as the want of independence and excitement; experiences that a marriage can inadvertently inhibit. Not only do both these stories illustrate some of the wants or needs that arise out of marriage, but they both also show how at times; the only means by which desire or necessity can be satisfied or experienced, is within the confines of one’s mind. Additionally, both works illustrate a sense of confinement that can arise out of marriage. Mitty’s confinement is illustrated trough is daydreams, where as Mrs. Mallard’s is illustrated through her emotions and reactions. The themes of these two pieces, restriction and excitement, or lack there of will be compared and contrasted in the following paragraphs. Also, the structure, style and literary elements of both works will be analyzed and discussed.
Thurber’s protagonist, Walter Mitty, who will be referred to, as Mitty hereafter, is an ordinary man whom frequently daydreams of being extraordinary. This daydreaming explicitly illustrates Mitty’s want for excitement, excitement that has been inhibited by his wife. Similarly, Mrs. Mallard, the main character in Chopin’s work, is a woman whose devotion to her husband is limitless. However it would seem as though this devotion is not genuine, Chopin alludes that Mrs. Mallard says with her husband because she has grown accustomed to him, and remains with him out of tradition and comfort. Thus, it becomes apparent that Mrs. Mallard, like Mitty, is dissatisfied with her life. It is interesting to note that both their dissatisfaction