The Story of an Hour

Irony plays a key role in The Story of an Hour. Kate Chopin, from the very first line, describes Mrs. Mallard as having heart trouble. When word of her husband's death is out her sister takes great care in telling her due to the fear that her heart will not be able to handle such horrific news. However, when Mrs. Mallard realizes, while alone in her room, that her husband's death means her own freedom her heart beats healthy and free from "trouble". "Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body." She, at that instant, became alive, free from the troubled oppression of marriage and that fact made her excited and vibrant. She had just the day before wished for a short life and now she dreams of a long full life. All of this triumph and glory was felt while alone, and while believing that her husband was dead.

Once she had opened her bedroom door and walked down the stairs to find her husband very much so alive at the front door her heart troubles came back. She gasped and all of her newly found life escaped her lungs and she fell to her death. When the Dr. arrived he explained to everyone that she had "died of heart disease—of joy that kills." It was assumed that she was so happy and excited to see her husband alive that her weak heart could not handle it and so she had a heart attack, when in reality seeing him alive is what took all of her joy and life away.