Elements of Fiction - "The Story of an Hour"

“The Story of an Hour” Kate Chopin

Plot (fill in the plot of the story)

Characters (tell who each character is and primary role in the story; designate who is the protagonist and antagonist of the story)

· Louise Mallard -

· Brently Mallard -

· Josephine -

· Richards -

Setting (where and when does the story take place)

Point of view (fill in the blank)

· ___ person limited

Style, Tone, & Language (explain the following)

· Style: length of the story – (What is the connection between the length of the story and the title?)

· Language: (Why does Chopin repeat words like “open” and “free”?)

Theme (explain each of the themes in the story)

· Forbidden Joy of Independence -

· Gender and Identity -

· Marriage -

· Life & Death -

Symbolism & Imagery (what do each of the following symbolize, or stand for?)

· Heart trouble = (Symbol for what?)

· Open window = (Symbol for what?)

Questions: Deep Thinking and Making Connections (answer the following questions)

1. After reading Chopin’s “Story of an Hour,” do you think Chopin was a feminist? Why or why not?

2. It has been said that Chopin’s stories were controversial for the time. What is controversial about them? Are they controversial for today?

3. Going further with the previous question, what does this make you think about judging things created in the past by current standards? Is this fair?