Since Time Immemorial: A Family Is Considered As The Basic U

Since Time Immemorial A Family Is Considered As The Basic Unit Of A Co

Since time immemorial, the family has been regarded as the fundamental unit of a community. The formation of a family begins with marriage, which sets the foundation for family life. For effective functioning, family members are expected to perform specific roles, and the absence of clear roles or responsibilities often leads to chaos within the family structure. This phenomenon is increasingly observed in contemporary society, where conflicts in marriage are more prevalent.

The short stories "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin and "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway explore themes related to marriage, freedom, and conflict through their respective characters and narratives. Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" centers around Louise Mallard, a woman who, upon hearing of her husband's supposed death, experiences a complex mix of grief and an unexpected sense of liberation. The third-person limited point of view allows readers to delve deeply into Louise's subconscious, revealing her hidden feelings about her marriage and her desire for personal freedom. Her whispered exclamation, "Freedom!", underscores the underlying conflict between personal autonomy and marital expectations.

As Louise retreats to her room and begins to dream, she recognizes a newfound happiness at her husband's death, symbolizing her inner conflict. This moment highlights her repressed desires and dissatisfaction within her marriage. Chopin uses characterization effectively to depict Mrs. Mallard as a woman trapped by societal and marital constraints, with her husband representing authority and suppression. Her role as a housewife and the presumed dominance of her husband exemplify traditional gender roles that often engender conflicts in marriage.

In contrast, "Hills Like White Elephants" presents a young couple confronting an unplanned pregnancy. Their dialogue, laden with symbolism, reveals differing perspectives on the issue. The man advocates for an abortion, suggesting that life will return to normal, while the woman appears hesitant and disapproving, reflecting her support for her partner despite her own reservations. Hemingway employs a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing readers to grasp both characters' inner thoughts and emotions. The couple's use of alcohol and the symbolic reference to "bitter" drinks such as absinthe depict their distress and the gravity of their decision-making process.

Both stories depict love and marriage, but from differing angles. In "The Story of an Hour," the marriage appears to be one of convenience, lacking genuine emotional connection, as evidenced by Mrs. Mallard's admission that she did not truly love her husband. Her reaction to his death signifies her longing for independence. Conversely, "Hills Like White Elephants" centers on a relationship where love is evident, yet marred by the unplanned pregnancy and differing desires of the couple. Their communication, or lack thereof, underscores the importance of open dialogue in marriage to avoid conflicts.

The concept of freedom emerges differently in each story. In Chopin's narrative, freedom manifests as personal liberation from marital and societal restrictions, allowing Mrs. Mallard to envision a future where she is autonomous. Her joy is palpable, although her eventual death suggests that the repressive structure of her marriage was unsustainable. Hemingway's story, however, presents freedom as the ability to make choices—particularly regarding the pregnancy—highlighting the significance of individual agency and responsibility. The male character's view of freedom as continued irresponsibility contrasts sharply with the woman's desire for autonomy and decision-making power.

Communication plays a crucial role in the dynamics of marriage as depicted in both stories. Chopin emphasizes the lack of authentic communication, resulting in repression and conflict. Mrs. Mallard's suppressed feelings are only revealed internally, leading to a tragic ending. In Hemingway's story, however, the dialogue between the couple demonstrates an attempt to navigate their issues, albeit imperfectly, indicating that open communication can serve as a mechanism to resolve conflicts and strengthen bonds.

Love, as portrayed in these stories, influences how conflicts are addressed and resolved. In "The Story of an Hour," the superficiality of marriage for convenience and societal expectations creates an environment of repression, diminishing true love. Mrs. Mallard's brief taste of freedom highlights her longing for genuine self-expression and independence. In "Hills Like White Elephants," love appears to be guiding the couple's decisions, yet the underlying tension reveals the complexities in their relationship and the impact of unresolved issues on their connection.

The narrative structure of both stories is built around gradual developments, with climaxes that redefine the characters' situations. Chopin's story reaches its climax when Mrs. Mallard perceives her liberation, only to die unexpectedly, encapsulating the tragic conflict between personal freedom and societal constraints. Hemingway's narrative culminates in the decision to proceed with the abortion, signifying a pivotal moment that underscores the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. Both stories ultimately depict marriage as a complex institution influenced by societal norms, individual desires, and communication patterns.

In conclusion, "The Story of an Hour" and "Hills Like White Elephants" explore various facets of marriage, including conflict, freedom, love, and communication. They highlight how societal and personal factors contribute to the dynamics within a marriage and emphasize the importance of authentic communication and individual agency. These narratives serve as poignant reflections on the challenges faced by couples, especially in contemporary society, and underscore the need for mutual understanding and respect in marital relationships.

References

• Chopin, K. (1894). The story of an hour. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Story-of-an-Hour
• Hemingway, E. (2003). Hills Like White Elephants. In An Introduction to Short Fiction (6th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.
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