Analysis of the Themes in 'The Story of An Hour' and 'The Chrysanthemums'.

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Analysis of the Theme in The Story of An Hour and

The Chrysanthemums

In 21 Century, most of people think that having freedom is natural; marriage of course is a happy moment in their lives.  Also in many counties men and women’s status are nearly equal now.  No matter you ate a man or a woman, as long as you have the ability, you can become a boss or even politician like Hillary Diance Rodham Clinton who is the 67th United States of Secretary of State.  However, in the past, it is impossible for women to enjoy for their freedom and marriage put them into “prison”.  In the past, marriage is like an institution for woman.  “The story of an Hour” and “The chrysanthemums” have similar theme which focuses on the marriage’s impact on woman. The writer tries to express the discontent this phenomenon through the story.   Although women can defy against their husband and marriage, it depends the era.

        Society had no place for women, regardless of their ability.  Society did not expect women to work, women should stay at home to do housework and obey their husband.  Society in late nineteenth century expected women to keep house, cook, and take care of children Moreover, employers generally discriminated against women by hiring them for menial jobs only, paying them less than men for the same work. (Michael J. Cummings, 2006)  “The Story of an Hour” shows that Mrs. Mallard’s husband every day controls her wife.  Mrs. Mallard’s has never shows her feeling she learn about her husband is death.  Consequently, in her marriage, she was stressed.  These indicates that she gives up to fight for her freedom as she know whatever she does she will not able to escape from her husband’s control which does not have anything to do, even only to do the housework.  That makes Mrs. Mallard feel repression.  When Mrs. Mallard knows that her husband was dead, she is very excited as she can leave the prison.  When her husband life, she express the emotion, she does not have any way to relax.  In 19 Century many women would through some arts to express their emotion, like music and art. ()  However, Mrs. Mallard does not have anything to do, she does not have any way to express her emotion.  It shows that the society is not fair to the women.  “The Chrysanthemums” is an accurate critique of society that has no place for intelligent women.  Although Elisa is clever, energetically, attractive, and ambitious, all these attributes go to waste.  Though the two protagonists the story is less interesting and talented than her, their lives are far more fulfilling and busy. (, 2003)  Woman cannot do anything, even they have the ability!  This phenomenon is caused by the socialization.  Due to the culture, woman cannot defy against their husband their husband and the social norm.

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Before the modern age, husbands tend to protect their wives.  But, it brought many women the loss of freedom.  Being too many protective will become confinement, confinement can result in a lot of pressure they experience.  Many husbands misunderstand that not letting their wives to go out to work equal protect theme.  In “The Story of an Hour” after Mrs. Mallard’s marriage, she has never left her house.  Because of her heart disease, her husband can control her everything and seems to be reasonable.  He can explain that he just want to protect her.  Because he thought the area ...

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