Story of an Hour Discussion

Cover of Story of an Hour Sad Woman in Chair

As you read Story of an Hour, ask yourself what conflicts are important in this story. Usually a story is more than just a listing of events. Instead, the reader’s interest in the story is kept because of a problem or conflict that arises. Conflicts can be external (between individuals or something that is happening outside) or internal (in one character’s mind). For example, if you are caught in a storm, you have an external conflict. If you have an argument with your best friend, you have an external conflict. External conflicts move the story from beginning to end. The internal conflict is a bit more complicated. It is put into motion by the external conflict. It is, in general, what the character realizes or learns about herself or her situation (as opposed to what is happening around her).

On a piece of paper, write the headings External Conflicts and Internal Conflicts. As you read, make a list of conflicts in this story and decide whether they are external (between people) or internal (one person’s mind).

Story of an Hour Discussion

External Conflict

In this story, the external conflict initially presented is the death of Louise’s husband. Josephine and Richards were struggling how to break the news to Louise who  had some heart condition.

Another external condition presented in this story is when Brently enters the door which means that he was not involved in any accident.