For centuries, the idea of human isolation and solitude has been considered a phenomenon that poisons a human being, as the sense of belonging to a community and family is frequently considered a pillar of society’s creation and thriving. Over the years, the premise has been modified, making isolation a process necessary to come to terms with one’s true self. However, the perception of such a self-discovery remains different for women and men. Thus, men who embark on a journey of solitude are regarded as mysterious and secretive, whereas isolated women are labeled by others as anti-social.
The story of Kate Chopin perfectly demonstrates how in the 19th century, the idea of marriage was portrayed as a notion opposite of human isolation for a woman regardless of her stance on that relationship. In The story of an hour, the author presents to a recipient the story of Mrs. Mallard reflecting on the news of her husband’s death, a tragedy that, in fact, never happened. Her surroundings rightfully expect Mrs. Mallard to be appalled by the message, as the woman stormed out after the news was broken (Chopin, 1894). However, with the first minutes of shock passing by, Mrs. Mallard “was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will–as powerless as her two white slender hands would have been” (Chopin, 1894, para. 10). Instead of killing her from within, the horrifying news of her husband’s death fulfilled her with a bewildered feeling of freedom and solitude she subconsciously longed for all her life.
It was the news about her husband being alive that eventually killed the woman. Hence, the sudden realization of losing solitude and peace was more for Mrs. Mallard to bear as compared to losing her spouse in an accident. Thus, in the story by Kate Chopin, the journey of human isolation is not a downside but an epitome of human life, freedom, and the feeling of self-worth.
Reference
Chopin, K. (1894). The story of an hour [E-text]. Web.