1. Constraints
Prisons and detention centers, animal cages, even children’s playpens- all have bars to keep their inhabitants from escaping. But are these the only kinds of constraints that restrict freedom?

2. Constraints
Brainstorm a list of different circumstances in which people can become trapped or otherwise kept from fulfilling themselves.

3. The Story of an Hour
In “The Story of an Hour,” Kate Chopin explores just how restrictive invisible bars can be.

4. The Story of an Hour- Objectives
Explore the key idea of constraints
Analyze plot and conflict
Read a short story
Predict
Use effective voice

5. Get to Know Kate Chopin
Read all about Kate Chopin and complete the note taking handout.

6. Conflict
Prezi TIME

7. Plot and Conflict
Elizabeth wanted to study medicine. Her brothers criticized her for having unnatural ambitions. She lost confidence, but didn’t give up on her goal. She found a university that accepted women and took a few courses. Ten years later she earned her medical degree.

8. ???? The Unexpected
What is something that happened to you that was unexpected?

9. The Story of an Hour
What happened in the story that was completely unexpected?

10. Lets Listen to a song!!

11. IRONY
an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.

12. Underline the examples of IRONY in the song.

13. Three Types of Irony
Verbal
Dramatic
Situational

14. Verbal Irony
An author or character says something, but means something else.
What is said is often the opposite of what is meant.
The Character is aware of the irony

15. Dramatic Irony
The reader knows something about a characters situation that the character does not know.
The character is unaware of the irony.
The reader is aware of the irony.

16. Situational Irony
What actually happens is not what is expected to happen
Situational irony often defies logic
The character does not expect the outcome
The reader does not expect the outcome.

17. Take Notes Where does the story take place?
What is wrong with Mrs. Mallard?
What news is she about to hear?
Why is Mrs. Mallard’s sister so worried about breaking this news?

18. Conflict Review
Reread lines (pg. 762) With what is Mrs. Mallard struggling? Explain whether her conflict is internal or external.
Consider the feelings Mrs. Mallard struggles to repress when she first enters her room. How, in lines 42-67, is this conflict resolved?

19. Contraints
Mrs. Mallard is responding to the loosening of constraints. What are these constraints? What is her reaction to this change?

20. Irony
What is an example of Dramatic Irony from the story?

21. Discussion
Women’s roles have certainly changed since Chopin wrote this story, but has the institution of marriage? Reread lines Is the imposition of will by both men and women that Chopin describes still an issue in contemporary marriages? Explain your opinion.

22. What is a eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech given at a funeral, usually by someone who knew the person well. The person giving the eulogy mentions funny, sad, or important moments in the deceased person’s life, or perhaps the impact he or she had on everyone. The goal is to remember the person fondly, even if he or she was not perfect. (None of us are!) It's always good to throw in a few quotes into your speech. Check out for some ideas.