In Kate Chopin's short story 'The Story of an Hour', Mrs. Mallard, the main character is shocked to learn that her husband is apparently deceased. Throughout the story it is revealed that Mrs. Mallard takes the news of her husband's apparent death with joy, she sees this news as the beginning of a new life that no longer contains repression. Mrs. Mallard's reaction to the supposed death of her husband represents a symbol of freedom, she is finally free from marriage and is now an independent woman in the late 19th century. Later, she learns that her husband, Brently Mallard, is alive. Following this news, Mrs. Mallard dies due to “joy that kills”. In this story, Chopin expresses a theme of female liberation and feminism. Although this story takes place in the 19th century, the concept of female liberation and feminism that Chopin emphasized in his work is still apparent today, particularly because sexism in society and in marriages is still here. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay To begin, Chopin's story is set in the 19th century, a time when sexual discrimination against women was widespread. Mrs. Mallard appeared to have been a housewife to her husband Brently Mallard, which in today's day and age the role of "housewife" is not acceptable in society, but still exists in some relationships. Belief in gender-biased gender roles such as “all husbands should run the household” will influence marriage by negatively impacting relationship quality. Unfortunately, marital problems related to sexism still occur today, which can often leave a woman unsatisfied in her marriage, which is why Mrs. Mallard was so happy to hear the news of her husband's death. ” tells the entertaining story of Mrs. Mallard's reaction to her husband's supposed death, but also reveals Chopin's feminist views on marriage and gender. Chopin is known for emphasizing feminism in her other literary works. According to Anca-Luminita Iancu, in her article "Teaching the Short Fiction of Kate Chopin", she explains that "Chopin was known primarily as a regional writer or local colorist...she was especially interested in the condition and needs of women, discussing these avant-garde works. topics such as the constraints of marriage, divorce, adultery and suicide.” It is obvious that Chopin had a desire to empower women. In fact, Chopin approached the subject of marriage through his character of Mrs. Mallard. Mrs. Mallard eventually feels a sense of freedom when she hears the news of her husband's death in "The Story of an Hour." This obviously reveals Chopin's view on marriage, showing that sometimes marriage can make a woman feel repressed compared to her liberation. Chopin was well aware of the way women were treated and viewed in his time; she was also aware that the problems women faced at the time were not easy to solve. Especially in a society where men were responsible for making the rules and women were expected to devote their time to their husbands and raising their children while also being considered their husband's property (Seyersted). It is worth noting that “The Story of an Hour” took place at a time when women were not treated equally. Chopin evokes the way women were considered the property of their husbands by showing the strong emotion of freedom that Mrs. Mallard had. 122