1. By: Kate Chopin

2.  1850-1904  Had a conservative, aristocratic upbringing.  Became one of the most powerful and controversial writers of her time.  Boldly explored the role of women in society.  Kate’s husband died in 1883 leaving her to raise their six children on her own. Then after moving home to receive the help of her family, her mother died suddenly in 1885. This left Kate in deep sorrow, and it was the suggestion of the family doctor that she start writing fiction.  Controversial themes (ideas that were considered radical): the nature of marriage, racial prejudice, the women’s desire for social, economic and political equality.

3.  Chopin’s story addresses issues of women’s liberation in a time when these issues were not frequently raised.  Women and minorities were seeking to expand their civil rights.  In addition, psychologists such as William James were debating free will – the ability of individuals to control their own destiny.  These developments began a social revolution…

4. CLIMAXIRONY  The high point of interest or suspense in a story.  Marks the moment at which the conflict is resolved.  A contrast between what is stated and what is meant, or between what is expected and what actually happens.  Three types: Verbal irony Dramatic irony Situational irony

5. The use of words to suggest the opposite of their usual meaning. Example: You are being forced to go on a family vacation when you would rather go on a road trip with your friends. Your response to your parents about the vacation is “Oh, I can’t wait to spend all this family time together.” This IS what your parents would want you to say (and mean it), but you mean the complete opposite. Many times sarcasm falls under Verbal Irony.

6.  Occurs when readers are aware of something that a character in a literary work does not know.  Example: You are reading a book and the character parks their car next to a red curb (you know this because the author informs you, the reader). The character gets out of the car and walks into their work building without noticing that they parked next to a red curb. We, the reader, know that the character will probably get a ticket or their car towed. (To make it even more ‘dramatic’, the character ended up getting fired that day, and came out to find that their car had been towed!).

7.  Occurs when the outcome of an action or situation is very different from what one expects. (This can apply to both character and reader!)  Example: The character (and readers) know that in order for them to pass their class (and in turn graduate) they must pass their last final. They already have plans after they graduate of moving 10 hours away and have their bags packed and ready to go. The character pulls an “all nighter” and he (and the readers) feels confident that he will pass the final. When he gets his test score back, he finds out that he failed…and he does not graduate…and cannot move.

8. Part of story…What is ironic?

9. Part of story…What is ironic? p. 636 – Considering the news she has just received, what is ironic about the details Mrs. Mallard notices through her window? She notices bright colors, people walking and birds. In other words, she sees life. She should be upset, not able to notice such things. p. 637 – Mrs. Mallard knows that her husband is dead. What is ironic about her saying “free, free, free?” People would think that she would be upset and sad and perhaps have an ‘empty’ feeling. Being ‘free’ would be the last thing people would feel. p. 637 – Josephine thinks that Mrs. Mallard might make herself ill from being so upset. What kind of irony can be applied here and why? Dramatic Irony – Josephine is worried that her sister is suffering from grief, but the reader knows that Mrs. Mallard feels a sense of relief.

10. Part of story…What is ironic? p. 638 – We find Brently Mallard walking through the door. What kind of irony can be applied here and why? p. 638 – Mrs. Mallard dies from heart disease. What kind of irony can be applied here and why?

11. Part of story…What is ironic? p. 638 – We find Brently Mallard walking through the door. What kind of irony can be applied here and why? Situational Irony – the characters in the story and the reader did not know that the husband was alive. The characters and readers are shocked. p. 638 – Mrs. Mallard dies from heart disease. What kind of irony can be applied here and why? Dramatic Irony – The reader knows that the reason why she died was because she realized that she was not ‘free’ anymore…and still tied down to her husband. The other characters probably thought it was because she was shocked (and happy) that he was still alive, but her heart gave in from all the turmoil.

12. Directions: For each question, make an evidence-based claim, which means every answer needs to include evidence from the text and needs to be written in complete sentences. 1. What is the significance of the setting in Chopin’s text and how does the setting impact the characters? 2. In what ways does Mrs. Mallard evolve/develop over the course of the text and how is that evolution mirrored through the setting? 3. When and where in the text does Mrs. Mallard demonstrate a sense of oppression, self-awareness, disappointment and freedom? (Identify all 4) 4. Compare how the author develops elements of Realism in both Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and Story of an Hour 5. Analyze how the text reflects elements of both Romanticism and Realism