“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
Note: This passage is in the public domain.
She sat with her head thrown back upon the cushion of the chair, quite motionless, except when a sob came up into her throat and shook her, as a child who has cried itself to sleep continues to sob in its dreams. She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength. But now there was a dull stare in her eyes, whose gaze was fixed away off yonder on one of those patches of blue sky. It was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought.
There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window. She sat with her head thrown back, quite motionless, except when a sob shook her. She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength. But now there was a dull stare in her eyes, fixed on the blue sky.
There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself. 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. A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime as she looked upon it in that brief moment of illumination.
Free! Body and soul free! she kept whispering.
Questions
- The main theme of the passage is best described as
A) the joy of reconnecting with nature.
B) the conflict between societal expectations and personal freedom.
C) the inevitability of grief after loss.
D) the importance of familial loyalty.Answer: B
Explanation: The protagonist reflects on her newfound freedom after her husband’s death, emphasizing the tension between societal roles (marriage) and her desire for self-assertion.
- The “patches of blue sky” (line 4) most likely symbolize
A) impending danger.
B) hope and new possibilities.
C) the vastness of the universe.
D) her husband’s absence.Answer: B
Explanation: The blue sky contrasts with the gloomy clouds, representing the protagonist’s awakening to freedom and optimism.
- The description of the protagonist’s face as having “lines [that] bespoke repression” (line 3) suggests that she
A) was physically abused.
B) suppressed her true emotions.
C) aged prematurely.
D) was unattractive.Answer: B
Explanation: The “lines” symbolize the emotional constraints imposed by her marriage, not physical harm.
- The repetition of “Free! Body and soul free!” (last line) primarily emphasizes
A) her relief after financial hardship.
B) her liberation from societal and marital constraints.
C) her sudden physical mobility.
D) her religious awakening.Answer: B
Explanation: The repetition underscores her emotional and existential liberation from a restrictive marriage.
- The “suspension of intelligent thought” (line 5) indicates that the protagonist is
A) mentally exhausted.
B) overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.
C) uneducated.
D) daydreaming.Answer: B
Explanation: Her inability to think clearly reflects the shock and complexity of her newfound freedom.
- The tone of the passage is best described as
A) jubilant.
B) melancholic.
C) ironic and contemplative.
D) indifferent.Answer: C
Explanation: The juxtaposition of grief and liberation creates an ironic tone, while her reflections add depth.
- The protagonist’s sobs suggest that she
A) regrets her husband’s death.
B) mourns the loss of her former life.
C) is overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.
D) fears societal judgment.Answer: C
Explanation: The sobs contrast with her whispered “Free!” indicating a mix of grief and liberation.
- The phrase “powerful will bending hers” (line 10) refers to
A) her husband’s controlling nature.
B) societal expectations of marriage.
C) her own determination.
D) Both A and B.Answer: D
Explanation: The “powerful will” represents both her husband’s dominance and broader societal norms.
- The structure of the passage moves from
A) chaos to order.
B) grief to acceptance.
C) repression to self-realization.
D) solitude to community.Answer: C
Explanation: The protagonist transitions from a repressed state to recognizing her desire for autonomy.
- The author uses the imagery of the open window to
A) foreshadow her husband’s return.
B) symbolize her openness to change.
C) contrast indoor and outdoor settings.
D) highlight her isolation.Answer: B
Explanation: The window represents her expanded perspective and newfound freedom beyond her confined life.
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