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Unsympathetic In The Lady With The Dog

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What specific qualities in a character from a story enables them to be seen as sympathetic opposed to unsympathetic? In the short stories “The Story of an Hour,” by Kate Chopin, and “The Lady with the Dog,” by Anton Chekhov, it becomes controversial whether or not it is acceptable for the characters to viewed as sympathetic, due to their unhappiness and decisions they make regarding one of the most sacred things on earth, holy matrimony. In “The Story of an hour,” the reader is introduced to Mrs. Mallard, a woman who receives the news regarding her husband’s death by her sister. Although she is at first devastated, she soon unveils that she finally feels free from her husband, but her freedom is soon hindered when the actual truth becomes revealed. …show more content…

He then meets the lady with the dog, Anna, who is also not happy with her marriage and they decide to have relations, while still being married. This can be seen as one of the biggest sins of society. However, the compelling question about these stories is whether or not it is acceptable for these characters to be viewed as unsympathetic for their lack of faithfulness or support in their marriages. Both of these stories take place during the late nineteenth century, in a time period where traditional values were a commonality throughout society. During this time period, unfaithfulness and unhappiness within a marriage were seen as morally wrong and most believed that since they vowed to be with each other until death when they part, that it was morally wrong to either divorce or cheat on your spouse. Through the common theme of marriage and unhappiness, it becomes evident that are reasons for each character that make them both sympathetic and unsympathetic from the eyes of the

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