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Introduction
It is hard to disagree that many literary works are mysteries to some extent, and it may be interesting for the audience to solve them. Reading between the lines is a challenging but engaging process that can provide new views on the writing and interpretations of characters lines. Some readers may see that The Story of an Hour is not only a feminist text (Kusi and Zetang-Jua 2) but also a murder mystery it is possible that Louise Mallards death was someones intention. The purpose of this cause and effect essay is to make an attempt and solve the case.
First Cause Characters Behavior
First, it is essential to analyze how Josephine, Richards, and Brently Mallard acted in the story. It seems that Josephine was quite sincere and truly upset she tried to protect her sisters emotions; she told the devastating news in broken sentences; veiled hints that revealed in half concealing (Chopin). Josephine also never wanted to leave Mrs. Mallard alone in the room, and when Brently Mallard appeared in the house, he was greeted with Josephines piercing cry (Chopin). Further, Richardss behavior seems sincere and not cruel as well. He saw Mr. Mallard and made a quick motion to screen him from the view of his wife (Chopin). Finally, as for the husband himself, readers only know that he entered the house being quite calm, relaxed, and composed.
The Effect Mrs. Mallards Death
The analysis above may indicate that it was Mr. Mallards intention to murder his wife. Since he was her husband, he knew for sure about Louises heart disease and could take advantage of her weakness. What makes Josephine and Richards innocent is their reaction at the moment of Brentlys rise from the dead they were shocked and tried to protect Mrs. Mallard. At the same time, the husbands calmness can be justified by his confidence in his wifes death. What is more, it is quite unlikely that he would manage to get home without hearing the news of the train accident. Finally, as noticed by Jassam and Jassam, since Louise feels freedom after her husbands supposed death, one may suggest that there were mutual concerns in their marriage (3). All the mentioned facts allow the readers to assume that Mr. Mallard somehow took advantage of the situation and planned the murder.
Second Cause Doctors Statement
Another interesting aspect of the story under discussion is the last line. It is quite ironic that doctors said Louise died of heart disease of the joy that kills (Chopin). If she truly saw her husband standing alive in the doorway, she experienced not happiness but the horror of the chance for freedom leaving her (Burns 22). What is more, it is also ironic that doctors are those who say these words. In many peoples perception, medics are those who can always see the true cause of disease or death, while the doctors in the story failed.
The Effect The Criminal Remains Unknown
None of the three main characters declare Louises death and its cause, which does not allow readers to unravel the culprit behind her death. It is possible that if the statement was put in the mouths of Josephine, Richards, or Brently Mallard, the audience could think that they attempted to persuade everyone of their innocence (Burns 22). As a result, this ironic phrase leaves readers in doubt.
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion, one may say that The Story of an Hour is indeed a murder mystery. It is quite interesting to analyze the behavior and motives of the three suspects in such a short story, but readers can still see a possible criminal Mr. Mallard. Unfortunately, filled with irony, the last line does not make the situation clearer and leaves the audience with their assumptions.
Works Cited
Burns, Josie. Joy That Kills. Roughneck Review, vol. 3, no. 2, 2014, pp. 21-23.
Chopin, Kate. The Story of An Hour. Virginia Commonwealth University, 1894. Web.
Jassam, Aseel Hatif, and Hadeel Hatif Jassam. Kate Chopins The Story of an Hour : A Feminist Discourse of a Married Woman Reclaiming Her Lost Female Identity. Social Sciences International Research Journal, vol. 6, no. 1, 2020, pp. 1-5.
Kusi, David Toh, and Zetang-Jua, Amandine Ankainkom. Aesthetic Significance and Biographical Signposting: Kate Chopins The Story of an Hour and the Release of Patriarchal Grief. International Journal of Integrative Humanism, vol. 12, no. 1, 2020, pp. 1-9.
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