Realism Project- "The Awakening" and "The Story of an Hour"

Kate Chopin was one of the first female authors to portray, realistically, the thoughts and feelings of a typical woman ("Realism" 490). This, automatically, puts her in the category of a Realism author; Realism is, hence the title, based widely off of the realistic aspects and descriptions portrayed in a work of literature (Diamond). In an excerpt written by Chopin titled "The Awakening," Chopin writes of a woman who is deeply sorrowed ("Awakening" 491). Although the woman does not seem to necessarily know why she is upset, she cannot stop herself from the mental pain she is in, and continues to weep uncontrollably ("Awakening" 491). Although typically, Realism does not portray the emotional side of a situation but instead focuses on the sheer facts or the black and white mindset of an issue, "The Awakening" is an exception because of its truthfulness (Diamond). During this time period, women were supposed to basically do whatever the men wanted them to do, such as cook, mend the children, and do laundry ("Realism" 490). For a woman to show her feelings or admit to actually being unhappy or sad was almost unheard of; it was not politically correct ("Realism" 490). The fact that Chopin actually did portray these emotions and truthfully exhibited feelings that women do indeed have gave "The Awakening" a realistic overview; instead of being seen as silly and romantic, the excerpt is viewed as shockingly honest and straightforward. Another trait that makes "The Awakening" a true work of Realism is the way that certain details are focused on in almost a scientific way (Diamond). For example, at the end of the excerpt, Chopin writes about the mosquitoes that are biting the insteps of the woman's bare arms, since the woman was so vulnerable due to her emotions ("Awakening" 491). This observation is common in works of Realism; small details that might be overlooked are actually noted in detail (Diamond).

"The Story of an Hour" in definitely an interesting story that fits into the Realism category. About a woman whose husband has just passed away, the story is both incredibly emotional yet very factual at the same time ("Story" 554). For example, Realism does not necessarily exhibit a lot of description; however, if the descriptions are realistic and factual, they portray traits of Realism (Diamond). For example, in the story, Chopin writes about the weather outside, noting the "blue sky" ("Story" 554). This description adds to the mood of the story and creates a general setting that one cannot simply imagine on their own; since it is factual, one believes it to be true and can from there maybe better see the story through a character's view. This adds to the "realisticness" of the story, creating Realism to be even more evident (Diamond). Another aspect of Realism is clearly portrayed in Chopin's "The Story of an Hour." After realizing her freedom that would soon come with the death of her husband, Mrs. Mallard became extremely elated ("Story" 554). It seems that with her weak heart, the sheer excitement of this new freedom caused Mrs. Mallard to actually become too worked up, leading to a heart attack ("Story" 554). The ending to this story is actually quite scientific. Chopin wrote about Mrs. Mallard's bad heart, and, knowing that the heart can speed excessively when becoming excited, created an ending that could actually happen ("Story" 554). In writing periods before this, an ending such as this one would most likely not have occurred (Diamond). Some kind of "superpower" or God-related instance would probably take place instead; however, with the scientific breakthroughs and understandings that were becoming more common in Chopin's time period, works of art that related to science were increasing and were a characteristic of Realism (Diamond). Therefore, as exhibited through both "The Awakening" and "The Story of an Hour," Chopin is seen as a Realism author who not only showed the realistic views of women but also created scientific plots in her stories.
WORKS CITED

Chopin, Kate. "The Awakening." American Literature. Comp. Jeffrey
D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 491. Print.

Chopin, Kate. "The Story of an Hour." American Literature. Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 554-555. Print.

Diamond, Marie Josephine, ed. "realism." Encyclopedia of World Writers, 19th and 20th Centuries. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= GEWW480&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 28, 2011).

"Realism." American Literature. Comp. Jeffery D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 490. Print.