ENG IV
Short Story
“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
“Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her
as gently as possible the news of her husband’s death.”
1.This is the first sentence of the story. What do you predict will follow?
_______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. Read the story closely. Annotate as you read.
3. What is the principle literary element used in the story? ____________
(answer: Irony)
4. Refer to your literary terms handout. List and define the three major types of irony:
a. ____________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________________
5. Which of these types are present in “The Story of an Hour”?
Complete the chart:
Example of Irony
How is this
What effect does this example have on
example ironic?
the story?
Type of irony
Type of irony
Type of irony
6. On a separate sheet of paper, write an essay in which you discuss how Chopin uses irony in
‘The Story of an Hour,” the effect irony has on you the reader, and how the story would change if
there was no irony.
Write your essay on a separate sheet of paper neatly. Use ink, or you may type it using 12 pt.
Times New Roman. Due Friday
Heading:
Name
ENG IV
Use of Irony in “The Story of an Hour”