Structure

Title

The title of Kate Chopin's short story “The Story of an Hour” suggests that the narrative is going to present events that take place over the course of an hour. Readers discover that the title refers to the short period of time between Louise being told of her husband’s death and finding out that he is actually alive.

The word “story” can also be associated with Louise’s plans for the future. Upon realizing that she is finally free and that she no longer has to please anyone but herself, Louise imagines the “story” of her future years:

There would be no one to live for 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. 

The word “story” is often associated with fiction, pointing out how Louise’s new-found freedom and the life she hopes she will have from then on turn out not to be real. Similarly, the word "story" could also be associated with the tale of Brently Mallard's death, which turns out to be false.

Beginning

The short story begin...