preview

Comparing Story Of An Hour And The Interlopers

Decent Essays

At first glance, the two short stories "The Story of an Hour" and "The Interlopers" appear to be greatly divergent. However, taking a step back, it becomes clear that the pair have more in common than one might assume. First off, although both have entirely different settings, we can see that the authors of each story have similarly used the setting as a form of symbolism. In "The Story of an Hour" the setting is a bright spring day. Mrs. Mallard sees "tops of trees that were all aquiver with new spring life". The Story of an Hour, p. 5., representing her newly found freedom and a fresh start at life. Likewise, the author of "The Interlopers" had a similar display of symbolism, despite contradicting settings. The tale takes place in a "forest of mixed growth" The Interlopers, p. 1. during "one winter night" The Interlopers, p. 1. …show more content…

Symbolism ties together these seemingly unalike settings. In the same way, these distinct stories can be connected by their irony. "The Story of an Hour" describes Mrs. Mallard's eagerness to begin a new, independent lifestyle after learning her husband had passed away. However, the story provides an ironic twist when she discovers Mr. Mallard is alive after all. This shocking news results in Mrs. Mallard dying of "the joy that kills" The Story of an Hour, p. 1. Comparatively, "The Interlopers" also ends with a dash of irony. While the two men are trapped under the branch they see men approaching. " 'Are they your men?' asked Georg." " 'No,' said Ulrich with a laugh." " 'Who are they?' " " 'Wolves.'" The Interlopers, p. 200. Again, while the plots of the two stories are nothing alike, it's techniques like irony and symbolism that unite them, as well as one last

Get Access