Problem:
Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" conveys a contradictory story of Louise Mallard, a woman with a heart condition, and her response to learning about her husband's death in a railroad accident. Immediately, Chopin introduces the heart condition and its potential impact on Mrs. Mallard. Through the point of view of third person, the themes of marriage, domestication, and freedom are woven together to show the conflict between liberty and union. Symbolism, conflict, and irony suggest Mrs. Mallard's heart condition is related to her marriage. Despite her sadness, she longs for freedom and identity. Upon seeing her husband alive, Mrs. Mallard passes out from shock.