'Compare the author's use of images in The Other Wife and The Story of an Hour to convey the theme of female Freedom & Rights from male control.'

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2007-05-09        Comparison Essay        By: Sang-Kyu, Kim

                11A

‘Compare the author’s use of images in The Other Wife and The Story of an Hour to convey the theme of female Freedom & Rights from male control.’

The Other Wife and The Story of an Hour are two short stories both seemingly similar and contrasting in different ways. In Chopin’s story we see that Louise Mallard reveals her ironically natural feeling of joy and freedom following the news of her husband’s death. Louise’s sensation of freedom is conveyed through the use of vivid natural images and color. While in Colette’s story the two female protagonists contrastingly suffer from repression while the other practices freedom and liberty. These contrasting feelings are conveyed by the usage of various color images. Both Chopin and Colette address the theme of freedom and liberty from male control through the indirect use of natural, color, and vivid imagery. More often, the natural images are associated with the setting and the atmosphere, while color imagery is repeatedly linked to the physical appearance of the characters.

In The Story of an Hour Chopin’s use of natural images develop and convey the theme of female freedom and liberty. The image of window is one of the most fundamental symbols which puts across this theme. The window exemplifies the ‘monstrous joy’ and the ironically natural freedom Louise is feeling in her following the news of her husband’s death. This oxymoron can be defined as the feeling she knows is considered ‘monstrous’ by society who does not expect her to be glad at her husband’s death. The way in which she faces the ‘open window’ reveals the new beginning she is looking forward to and her realization of a fresh start without her husband. Furthermore, the author’s application of an image of a ‘tree’ that were ‘aquiver’ and the ‘countless sparrows’ which were ‘twittering’ establishes a tranquil and natural mood. This image suggests life; a life reflecting her awakening realization that she is free from male control, certainly a rare experience Louise will practice and enjoy. Additionally, Chopin’s use of auditory images such as peddlers ‘crying his wares’ and people singing down in the streets portrays Louise’s feeling of freedom and her awakening of a realization. The writer’s utilization of careless sounds gives a sense of life and a sound of liberty. The ‘monstrous joy’ Louise is feeling in her reflects and reveals what a difficult and unpleasant life she had been experiencing.

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Similarly, in The Other Wife Colette’s exploitation of natural images gives a sense of freedom from male control. Like Chopin, the window is used as an important symbol which represents the idea of freedom and a fresh start, as well as a stirring of new feelings. The story begins where Alice is forced and dragged away from where she wants to have lunch. Marc physically forces her away from the window where they would have a view of the beautiful bay. Looking at a deeper level, the force of male control literally drags Alice away from the tranquility and freedom ...

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