There can be so many things that build up within one’s self that eventually will seek to break loose. At times anxiety grows and it becomes desperation to release what it is that is eating an individual from the inside out. There are those who keep their outlooks to themselves and it eventually destroys them. Then there are others who release their sentiments and conflicts. They may not necessarily verbalize it, there is always a way to speak through others. Maybe not a living being, but perhaps through created characters that reflect viewpoints. This ideology is identical to the way Kate Chopin tells her own conflicts and thoughts through her selection “A story by the hour”. Though indirectly, the audiences are able to make traces through her text that connects it with her life’s story. It is not just any thing that the author wishes to communicate. There are significant traces of events that are embedded within her that prove evident when writing short stories and selection.
Despite the true obvious that is realized when reading any of Kate Chopin’s text is the fact that all the protagonists presented in her pieces are women. There has always been a cry for women throughout her words as women of her time struggle to gain identity. This search to find their own identity is bound with traits and characteristics required of them when belonging to cult of true womanhood. In her selection present “A story by the hour”, the protagonist presented is one who belongs to what society views to be a true woman. This illustration of one who has status reflects perfectly on the author. Kate Chopin was indeed one who ranked in society; perhaps even a difficult role she had to play as since she is the kind that is easily recognizable due to her family. However, within her thoughts and voiced indirectly through her character, though belonging to this cult made an individual to be recognizable in society, it is one that she and many women of her time wanted liberation from. “There would be no powerful hand bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon fellow creatures” (Chopin). Part of being an authentic woman during Chopin’s time required one to be wholly and utterly submissive to their spouse. The capability of a husband was the identity of a woman. There are no “if” and “but” about what a husband has to say. “By all accounts he adored his wife, admired her independence and intelligence, and “allowed” her unheard freedom”. (Wyatt). This compelling love Chopin received from her spouse was given to her with permission. Had her spouse objected with her writing, Kate Chopin will not have a single of her short stories published. This contrast between the protagonist and the author are truly in a way not different at all. Chopin voices her thoughts as to how she wishes the freedom her husband gave to her to express her freedom was similar to the kind given to other women whom she could have shared the same bondage with. Chopin understands what it is like for women who have to be completely submissive. This sympathy of not knowing the feeling, but however realizing it causes her to speak through the protagonist. Chopin had her freedom and still continued to be domestic and pious, which is why it seems to troubles her that other husbands cannot release the hold placed on their wives. Chopin’s belief seems to reflect the idea that a woman can have their independent identity and still belong to true womanhood.
To be held in captivity does not always have to be equivalent to what it is like to be in slavery. Captivity can also take place in the mind. Throughout her text, Kate Chopin would seem to agree with this concept as captivity is the kind of bondage women of her time seem to have to endure throughout their lives. To experience loss, identity, and even feeling of being deprived is one that the author seems to know far too well. Though her experiences are disheartening, it is what strengths her to speak through her characters and makes a stand for women.
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