Summary

The short story “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin begins with a woman named Louise Mallard learning about her husband’s death in a railroad accident. The news is delivered by Louise's sister Josephine and by Richards, one of her husband’s friends. They are careful when delivering the tragic news because Louise has a heart condition.

At first, Louise cries, seeking comfort in her sister’s arms. Soon afterward, she retreats into her room. She sits in the armchair that faces the window and finds herself fascinated by the spring landscape outside. She is soon taken over by a feeling of relief.

Louise begins to enjoy the feeling of freedom her husband’s death has offered her. Although she admits to herself that she loved her husband sometimes, Louise also hints that he often wanted to be in c...