Flash Fiction

Aim: How do we analyze the many layers of meaning of "The Story of an Hour" for theme? 
Quick Write: Describe the effect a cloudless, breezy day has on your attitude.

Read "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Watch this video.

Close Reading Questions

After you have read the story, answer the following questions. The questions are chronological.

1. We are told that Mrs. Mallard has “heart trouble.” How might that be more than a physical ailment?

2. Mrs. Mallard is given “veiled hints” about her husband’s death. What does this suggest about the way she is viewed/treated by her family?

3. What does her passionate response tell us about her? Notice that this is our first real clue to her character, other than the description of her physical ailments.

4. “There stood facing the open window a comfortable, roomy chair.” What does this description tell us about her ordinary life? Look for other images of open/closed.

5. What time of year is it? Why is this important? What could the time of year symbolize? 

6. “Patches of blue sky [were] showing here and there through the clouds.” How does this relate to her situation? 

7. “She was young, with a fair, calm face.” Are you surprised by her age?  What does her face tell you about her life?

8. “There was something coming to her…” What do you think is coming to her? Why is it arriving from outside, rather than from inside her?

9. She “strives to beat it back with her will.” What is “it”? Could it BE her will?

10. Why does she repeat “Free, free, free”? What is happening to her?  How does she feel this in her body?

11. Why is her joy “monstrous”? Do you agree? What is your perception of her at this point?

12. Is there any doubt that her husband loved her? What can we infer about how he loved her?

13. “There will be no one to live for during these coming years.” What myth about women does this seem to challenge?

14. We do not know her first name until near the end of the story. Why do you think this is?

15. What do you think about her death? What do you think the final lines tell us about Chopin’s view of marriage?

16. How do you think the ending would have been different if Mr. Mallard had been waiting at home and received word of his wife’s death?

17. Choose what you think to be the most important or significant word from this story. Justify your choice.

18. Choose what you think to be the most important or significant phrase from this story. Justify your choice.

Final Reflection
After reading and discussing the short story, answer each of these four questions in well-organized paragraphs:

1. Read the final two one-sentence paragraphs of the story. Then, do a quick write on how you have had to revise meaning and the new interpretations you have formed as the story unfolded. Perhaps it may help by interpreting the final words: “a joy that kills.” Your idea of the theme or big idea has undoubtedly changed.

2. Were you able to relate anything in this story to your own life? Is there a particular lesson you may have learned which you can state as a theme, an insight into human life? Will you think or do something differently as a result of reading this story?

3. Is this story still relevant today? Explain, supporting your opinion with specific and relevant facts and evidence.

4. Finally, explain if and how this story relates to the idea of conformity, again supporting your opinion with specific and relevant evidence.

Remember independent reading books? Now is a good time to start thinking about your reading projects. See the list of suggestions under "Resources" in the right-hand margin. However, other ideas are encouraged. Just run them past me.

***Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress and to review missed assignments.***