Introduction
In the works of Frederick Douglass’s “My Bondage and My Freedom“ and Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,“ the characters are subjected to and controlled by the norms and customs of society. This means their freedom is subject to community traditions that are keen to judge and dictate their actions and decisions. The two authors utilize literary devices such as repetition and imagery to reveal the oppressive environment created by societal values.
In both texts, the authors heavily rely on different literary devices, including tone and repetitive emphasis, to demonstrate the existence of societal demands and traditions that can stifle and derail individual progress. Further, the two authors indicate that people must be determined to fight for their rights to their freedom and identity to avoid the negative effects of societal expectations.
Chopin’s Portrayal of Confinement
In “The Story of an Hour,“ Chopin utilizes literary techniques to demonstrate the suffocating effect of societal expectations on the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard. He uses explicit imagery, such as “the open window“ and “the blue sky,“ to symbolize freedom and opportunity (Chopin 7). This is derailed by the contrast of limitations and challenges imposed on Mrs. Mallard by society’s expectations regarding her marriage (Lanzendörfer et al. 9). Furthermore, the restrained and solemn tone at the outset of the story reflects the suffocating nature of Mrs. Mallard’s marriage. These challenges repressed Mrs. Mallard’s ability to articulate desires and emotions freely.
Another instance of imagery is the use of the new spring, as the author states, “She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life“ (Chopin 7). The new spring expresses Mrs. Mallard’s desire to find another good husband after the death of her current partner. The use of “song“ and “sparrows“ symbolizes freedom and joy, which contrasts with the somber tone at the beginning of the story (Chopin 12).
Lastly, the imagery of clouds and sky represents hope for the beauty of nature and optimism. These instances of imagery help the author communicate the protagonist’s desires and feelings, which they cannot express due to society’s strict expectations.
Douglass’s Depiction of Enslavement
Similarly, Douglass’s “My Bondage and My Freedom, Chapter XI“ uses repetition and imagery to convey the oppressive and stressful nature of slavery. The repetition of the phrase “I longed for“ underscores the extreme desire for freedom and Douglass’s inability to communicate his desires and emotions. The vivid imagery, such as “the green fields and waving woods,“ represents liberty and possibility, while the sad and solemn tone represents the depressing nature of slavery (Douglass 7). There is a repetition that Douglas often regretted his existence, which explains the author’s focus on the extreme desperation and hopelessness Douglass experiences as an enslaved person.
Further, the repetition stresses the character’s lack of free will and ability to own and control his destiny. The phrase “It was the blood-stained gate, the entrance to the hell of slavery….“ is repeated several times in the chapter, underscoring the trauma and brutality of the slave system (Douglass 8). This indicates that Douglass always pictured himself entering a world of difficulties, torture, darkness, and suffering with no ability to control what was to happen in his life.
Natural Imagery and Emotional Turmoil
The imagery of the sea in turmoil is used in the chapter to depict the danger and uncertainty Douglass experienced in his pursuit of freedom by trying to escape the ordeal. The author states that the situation was like “The white foam of the angry waves dashing against the dark rocks.“ The contrast of white foam with the dark rocks suggests the sharp opposition between individuals seeking freedom and to escape slavery, which ensures they have no control over their lives.
Another imagery is indicated when the author states that “the winds roared through the tall pines, making them bend and lash into each other“ (Douglass 23). Nature is in turmoil, symbolizing Douglass’s tumultuous emotions and struggle at the hands of the oppressive slavery system. The explanation that tall pines were bent and lashed could suggest the existence of violence and aggression experienced by enslaved people due to the cruelty of the slavery system. The imagery and repetition help illustrate the physical and psychological struggles experienced by enslaved people under the brutal system that violates the right to freedom.
Another literary device used is the symbol of heart trouble experienced by Louise. It indicates the presence of physical and symbolic affliction that embodies unhappiness and mixed feelings about her marriage due to restrictions (Lanzendörfer et al. 9). The idea of having a heart problem is the first happening revealed to the reader, which makes the news of Brently’s death more threatening. A weak heart may find it difficult to deal with the depressing announcement of grief (Clavin 10).
Finally, she dies at the end of the story due to excitement and happiness, which is ironic. Owing to all the tribulations she experienced, it would have been evident for the reader to conclude that Louise died from stress and depression.
Parallel Struggles for Identity and Liberation
The two texts share similarities in how they depict the protagonists’ struggles to free themselves from societal customs and expectations. At first, Mrs. Mallard is shocked and sad about her husband’s death. However, this changes to a sense of freedom and hope as she reflects on the status of her life and marriage, as illustrated by the use of images of “the blue sky“ and “the open window“ (Chopin 13).
Louise watches the blue sky and fluffy clouds through the open window and listens to birds singing (Chopin 13). All her senses, depicted in experiences and assumptions, suggest happiness and a hopeful new future. Likewise, Douglass struggles to break free as he is enslaved and denied fundamental human rights. The main similarity is that both struggle to achieve freedom and a better life, which defines their identity.
The two texts show some differences through the characters’ actions in response to the traumatizing conditions present in their lives. While Mrs. Mallard can break free from the constraints of her marriage, Douglass’s struggle for freedom continues (Lanzendörfer et al. 11). Additionally, the societal expectations and norms that the two protagonists face are vastly different; Mrs. Mallard’s constraints are primarily gender-based, while Douglass’s restraints are grounded on race and slavery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour“ and Douglass’s “My Bondage and My Freedom“ use literary devices to demonstrate the oppressive nature of societal expectations and norms. Both authors use imagery, tone, and repetition to convey the unjust nature of these constraints and the struggle of individuals to break free from them. Although the two protagonists face different societal constraints, both texts emphasize the importance of freedom and individuality. Through literary devices, Chopin and Douglass convey a larger message about the necessity of breaking free from societal constraints and discovering one’s own identity.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate. The Story of an Hour. Jimcin Recordings, 1981.
Clavin, Matthew J. Symbols of Freedom: Slavery and Resistance Before the Civil War. NYU Press, 2023.
Douglass, Frederick. My Bondage and My Freedom. Oxford University Press, 2019.
Lanzendörfer, Tim, et al. “The Metaphors We Use.” American Periodicals 30.1 (2020).