During the 19th century, it was tradition and common sense that women were subordinate to men in terms of status and opportunity. Women had no rights and men dominated their lives and everything in it. However, Kate Chopin, a woman herself, writes the story of a sick woman who longs to free herself from her husband's grip. Chopin's short story, "The Story of an Hour," written in 1894, can be best understood by considering the cultural and historical context, the author's life, irony, symbolism, and other literary devices within the story , and the story's final insight leaves readers to ponder. An insight into “The Story of an Hour” can be perceived by examining the cultural setting of the story. This story was written during the time when women were subservient to men. Women during this period were seen as “weak, passive, shy, domestic, illogical, [and] emotional” (Radek). Society and the economy established that women “had to work at home, taking care of home and hearth” while men went to work (Radek). Therefore, women had very limited freedom and were seen as unequal to men. Further insight can be found by focusing on the historical context that influenced the story. In the 1800s, married women did not have the right to make a will or receive wages and in turn became “owned” property by their husbands. In this regard, this is exactly what Mrs. Mallard suffers from her husband Brently. Not only is she limited by her marriage and her evil heart, but also by being confined to her home. However, after hearing the news of her husband's death, Mrs. Mallard was able to see the “lovely breath of rain [in the air]” known as freedom (Chopin 17). Mrs. Mallard silently whispers “free, free, free to...... middle of paper...... The characters played by Kate Chopin in “The Story of an Hour” reflect the author. Similar to Mrs. Mallard herself, Chopin is a portrait of most women of the past who had no freedom. Ultimately, Chopin's audience is able to understand the oppression of women during the 19th century. Works Cited Chopin, Kate. "The Story of an Hour." McDougal Littell. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, 2009. 760-763. Print.Ker, Christina. "An overview of the life and works of Kate Chopin." Empire:ZINE. Spyder and Web Empire. April 6, 2014.Radek, Kimberly. “Women in the nineteenth century”. Women in literature. Illinois Valley Community College. April 21, 2008. Web. April 6, 2014. "The Story of an Hour: Themes, Motifs, and Symbols." Notes of sparkle. Sparknote LLC. Network. April 6, 2014. Wyatt, Neal. "Kate Chopin Biography." VCU. Virginia Commonwealth University, nd Web. 6 April 2014.