Self-identity is defined as an understanding of an individual that has been displayed to them. According to “The Story of an Hour” written by Kate Chopin, it states that “She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will--as powerless as her two white slender hands would have been.” Ms. Mallard is a representation of people's thoughts about what they may become, what they might want to become, and what they fear turning out to be. In addition, it relates to trusts, fears, models, objectives, and dangers. Thus, self-identity reflects upon marriage, self-discovery which includes independence and happiness, and freedom.
The concept of self-identity is also linked to marriage. It is proposed that in relationships individuals try to create and keep up both a perception of an individual personality and the feeling of being secured, but in some relationships that connection between lovers isn’t taken seriously which is heavily affected women. Thus, influencing specific gender roles that are pertained to an unhealthy relationship. Marriage has a differential and more distressing effect on ladies than on men as a result of the imbalance in the status of married couples. According to an article written by Kathryn Hughes, during the 19th century,” progressed men increasingly commuted to their place of work – the factory, shop or office. Wives, daughters, and sisters were left at home all day to oversee the domestic duties that were increasingly carried out by servants.” Women were portrayed as righteous and dutiful. A women's fundamental obligations were to soothe their better half, do errands, and care about their children. Portraying Ms. Mallard’s role in her family as too many other wives during that time period.
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Equally important, self-discovery is a personal journey of an understanding of one’s character. It is simply the adventure that is taken to completely get oneself, qualities, preferences, leisure activities that intrigue a person, attributes that are valued in a relationship, and the surroundings. Although, certain individuals haven’t acquired self-discovery which can trigger negative emotions like fears and doubts. According to “The Story of an Hour”, Chopin compares self-discovery to live itself as stating, “…pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body.” Chopin's worry about the rise of the genuine self shows advanced reasonableness. Thus, when discovering self-revelation, a person tends to float towards a degree of extreme mindfulness and is much closer to finding their motivation.
In contrast, self-identity influences happiness considering its beneficial effect such as the capacity to empower self-expression, exhibit social noteworthiness, and reflect certainty. According to Jessica A. Leveto, she claims that “While happiness is the evaluation of feeling good, enjoying life, and wanting that feeling to be maintained, it is inherently social; it is a consequence of social interaction and a product of successful enactment of identities that fuels future encounters within social situations.” Leveto expresses that happiness shapes our practices and choices which connect to others, reminding us of one’s prosperity, or absence of achievement, in exploring relational connections. In addition, Chopin illustrates that Ms. Mallard describes her happiness to be free, “She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death, the face that had never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead.” Ms. Mallard does love her husband but only ‘sometimes’ since he took that happiness from her.
Furthermore, self-identity is manifest in freedom. During the 19th century, women were typically expected to live their lives to a great extent homebound, dealing with cooking, cleaning, and raising the kids. Leisure time for women was not to be spent associating with others, however, doing different things corresponding with the support of the family. Generally, women were altogether being disconnected from society unless they were conducted by their partner or father. For example, “The Story of an Hour” articulates that, “There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself.” Chopin inferred that Ms. Mallard's life was the same as being a slave even when her husband was still alive. This indicates that not only did Ms. Mallard endure, battle, and be reliant; other ladies had similar issues as well. As to being enslaved, women were still in the process of passing the women’s rights movement. They soon later passed the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York for gender inequality. Moreover, as the Civil War progressed, the Declaration of Independence sown down women’s rights by stating that, “all men are created equal.”
In conclusion, self-identity is interpreted as oneself characteristics and capabilities as an individual. Self-identity reflects upon marriage, self-discovery which includes independence and happiness, and freedom. Equally important, self-identity is about discovering oneself knowing, understandably, people will have trouble accepting their personal identity and what they believe which can affect trust, fears, models, goals, and risks. Today, most people experience the ill effects of this to a limited degree since society appears to act and live in manners that may not be necessary. Thus, understanding oneself character can make a positive impact on their life completely.
Works Cited
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- Chopin, Kate, and Robert C. Evans. “The Story of an Hour.” Introduction to Literary Context: American Short Fiction, Nov. 2014, pp. 193–198. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lkh&AN=101666196&site=eds-live.
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- “Marriage Equality In Story Of An Hour English Literature Essay.” UKEssays.com, www.ukessays.com/essays/english-literature/marriage-equality-in-story-of-an-hour-english-literature-essay.php.
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- Travel, Consciously Connected. “Wellness: The Importance of Self-Discovery - Consciously Connected Travel: Conscious Travel & Wellness.” Consciously Connected Travel | Conscious Travel & Wellness, Consciously Connected Travel | Conscious Travel & Wellness, 13 Feb. 2019, www.consciouslyconnectedtravel.com/blog/consciously-connected-travel-cc-journal-the-importance-of-self-acceptance-self-acceptance-retreat-essaouira-women-only-wellness-retreats-morocco-spiritual-retreats-marrakech-women-only-yoga-retreats.
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