5 direct and 5 indirect characteristics of Mrs. Mallard in "The Story of an Hour." Provide one example explanation and evidence for indirect and direct, please, thanks. :)
Sure! "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin is a short story that revolves around the character of Mrs. Mallard. Here are five direct and five indirect characteristics of Mrs. Mallard:
Direct Characteristics:
1. Married: The story explicitly states that Mrs. Mallard is a married woman.
Example explanation and evidence: The direct characteristic of Mrs. Mallard being married is evident in the line, "Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death."
2. Afflicted with a heart trouble: It is mentioned that Mrs. Mallard has a heart condition.
Example explanation and evidence: The direct characteristic of Mrs. Mallard's heart condition is mentioned in the line, "Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death."
3. Widow: Following the news of her husband's death, Mrs. Mallard becomes a widow.
Example explanation and evidence: The direct characteristic of Mrs. Mallard's marital status as a widow is evident in the line, "She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment, in her sister's arms. When the storm of grief had spent itself, she went away to her room alone."
4. Independent: Mrs. Mallard appears to be an independent woman, as she cherishes her newfound freedom.
Example explanation and evidence: The direct characteristic of Mrs. Mallard being independent is evident when the story states, "There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully. What was it? She did not know; it was too subtle and elusive to name."
5. Unexpected reactions: Mrs. Mallard's reactions to her husband's death are unexpected and unconventional.
Example explanation and evidence: The direct characteristic of Mrs. Mallard's unexpected reactions is evident when the story states, "She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance. She wept at once, with sudden, wild abandonment."
Indirect Characteristics:
1. Repressed emotions: Mrs. Mallard's emotions are not openly expressed and appear to be repressed.
Example explanation and evidence: The indirect characteristic of repressed emotions is implied through the line, "When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under her breath: "free, free, free!"
2. Dissatisfaction in marriage: Mrs. Mallard seems to be dissatisfied with her marriage.
Example explanation and evidence: The indirect characteristic of dissatisfaction in her marriage is implied through the line, "And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome."
3. Desiring independence: Mrs. Mallard longs to be free and independent, suggesting that she feels trapped within her marriage.
Example explanation and evidence: The indirect characteristic of desiring independence is implied when the story states, "There was something coming to her and she was waiting for it, fearfully. What was it? She did not know; it was too subtle and elusive to name."
4. Inner strength: Mrs. Mallard showcases inner strength, which allows her to process her emotions.
Example explanation and evidence: The indirect characteristic of inner strength is implied through the line, "Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own."
5. Temporary happiness: Mrs. Mallard experiences a brief moment of happiness upon hearing the news of her husband's death.
Example explanation and evidence: The indirect characteristic of temporary happiness is implied when the story states, "There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature."
These are just a few direct and indirect characteristics of Mrs. Mallard in "The Story of an Hour." The story unfolds her complex emotions and desires throughout its narrative.