Introduction
In Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” the most prominent theme is freedom and independence, which Chopin suggests is the only thing that makes life valuable or worth living. The character of Louse is used to illustrate this theme because, at first, she was genuinely pained following the death of Brently (Chopin, 1). Closely associated or tied to gender disparity in the nineteenth-century, this theme in The Story of an Hour lays an excellent emphasis on oppression, particularly to women. The analysis therefore foregrounds how the theme of oppression manifests in the story to create a critical relation to the contemporary society.
“The Story of an Hour” points towards society, but most significantly, global resistance towards female empowerment. It forms the primary conflict that the protagonist experience throughout the story. In the poem, it may not be a coincidence that Louse deliberates about the possibility of attaining her freedom and independence. This happened when she had locked herself alone in her room (Chopin, 1). This suggests that any connection, attachment, or interaction impinges on individual freedom. Besides, it may not be another coincidence that the possibility of attaining personal freedom dies immediately after leaving the solitary of her room. This makes him the protagonist of in the story as the conflicts that he undergoes are highlighted in different sections of the work. For instance, the poem highlights gender conflict in societies of the nineteenth-century and may not also limit the notion of independence to women only.
Written by Samuel Wright, “Address to Slavery” is through the view of an abolitionist who was overwhelmed by profound sadness and pity because of how the slaves were being treated. In the poem, the narrator explains the type of treatment given to the slaves, including several qualities (Wright 1). Also, the narrator describes how the slaves were forced on hard jobs under the scorching sun. The movement of oppression thus highlights the type of racial discrimination that existed during the 19th century, although their output was invaluable as expressed in the statement,” But in our time we have come to know that the limits of 'human nature' are frighteningly broad” (Wright 8). The theme of freedom is predominant throughout the poem using slaves and their desire for freedom. Therefore, it is clear that the poem also supports the primary theme under discussion in multi-faceted ways to ensure that the theme of oppression remains dominant throughout the text.
Conclusion
Although she had planned to mourn her husband’s death, Louse came to discover the incredible gift given to her in the course of her mourning period since her husband’s death suggested she would be a well-off unmarried woman (Chopin, 1). Therefore, in the big picture, the story and the poem upholds the theme of freedom and independence and the American Dream are emphasized through Louse experiences in the story. She was never going to be controlled again by anyone because she planned to live her life in as she pleased. Louse is happy and hopeful that in the coming years, no individual will have to live for another and that there would be no strong will that will be capable of bending hers or impose their will on her (Chopin, 1). Therefore, directly and indirectly, the authors offers hope of freedom to the audience as they provide their stance on various situations that victims of oppression undergo.
