Discussion Question: A Thesis Is Just A General Observation
Discussion Question A Thesis Is Really Just A General Observation Tha
Discussion Question: A thesis is really just a general observation that is debatable, and can be illustrated with examples (that is, passages, or "quotations") from the story. Provide two passages (quotations) from "Story of an Hour" that you think you will use in this week's writing assignment. Remember that you want to choose quotations that will illustrate (= be an example of) your focus . Provide a commentary (= state how the quote illustrates your focus ) for each one and show how you will cite each parenthetically as an in-text citation, using MLA documentation style.
Paper For Above instruction
The short story "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin explores complex themes of freedom, identity, and the suppression of women within the societal constraints of the late 19th century. For my writing assignment, I have selected two quotations that exemplify the story’s central focus: the awakening and liberation that Mrs. Mallard experiences upon hearing of her husband's death, which ultimately leads to her tragic death when her husband unexpectedly reappears.
The first quotation I plan to use is: "She said it over and over under her breath: 'Free, free, free!'" (Chopin 3). This passage occurs early in the story, immediately after Mrs. Mallard learns of her husband's death. The repetition of the word "free" signifies her internal awakening from a life of repression. It illustrates my focus because it encapsulates the moment when Mrs. Mallard begins to realize her own potential for independence, which conflicts with the societal expectations of marriage at the time. The quote highlights her emotional shift from grief to a sense of personal liberation, emphasizing the theme of female autonomy in a restrictive society.
The second quotation I intend to include is: "There was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory" (Chopin 4). This description appears as Mrs. Mallard embraces her newfound freedom upon realizing her husband's death. It reflects her heightened emotional state and symbolizes her inner strength and rebirth. The passage illustrates my focus because it depicts her momentary transcendence and empowerment, which is a stark contrast to her previously submissive role. The use of the metaphor "goddess of Victory" underscores her triumph in breaking free from societal and marital limitations, even if temporarily.
Both quotations serve to demonstrate key moments in Mrs. Mallard’s emotional journey, highlighting her internal conflict and eventual sense of release. The first passage emphasizes her initial awakening to personal freedom, while the second illustrates her culmination into a powerful, almost divine figure. These quotations support my thesis that "The Story of an Hour" scrutinizes the oppressive nature of societal expectations on women and celebrates moments of individual liberation, however fleeting.
In constructing my writing, I will cite these quotations parenthetically following MLA style: (Chopin 3) and (Chopin 4), corresponding to the page numbers from the story's published version I utilize. These textual examples will substantiate my analysis of the protagonist’s emotional evolution and the broader commentary on gender roles during the period.
References
Chopin, Kate. "The Story of an Hour." The Complete Works of Kate Chopin, Edited by Per Seyersted, Louisiana State University Press, 1992, pp. 3-4.