Kate Chopin Essay, Research Paper

Katherine Chopin has a different opinion of love, marriage, than most writers of

her day. In her writing she indicates to her readers that marriage, though built

on a foundation of love can not contain passion. Love is considered a feeling

that inspires passion, and romance. It continues on throughout the marriage, but

the passion and romance are lost somewhere in the struggles of married life.

This loss can also occur in the task of raising children, causing a sort of

neglect for the love of one?s life. Passion is what inspires an individual to

do anything. Chopin it seems is saying that this is an impossibility in marriage

in the since of love or sexual relationship. Passion however can be found

outside the marriage with other sexual partners. It can also be found in other

areas such as in ?The Story of an Hour.? The main character in this story

exemplifies this truth by the statement made after she got over the shock of her

husband?s death, ?Free, free, free!? Her passion came from the realization

that she was once again free to do as she wished. Marriage it seems is

considered somewhat sacred even though it was almost as if it was acceptable for

extramarital relations to take place in Chopin?s stories. She seems to think

this act of breaking the holy vows of marriage was a justifiable act.