Select the correct answer.
Read the following excerpt from Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," in which the protagonist, Louise Mallard, is contemplating her life after learning
of the death of her husband.
No; she was drinking the very elixir of life through that open window. Her fancy was running riot along those days ahead of her. Spring days, and
summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own. She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long. It was only yesterday she had
thought with a shudder that life might be long.
Based on the excerpt, what does the open window come to symbolize for Louise?
A. Nature; staring out the window helps Louise reconnect with nature and, in the process, rediscover her family's identity now that
she's without a husband.
OB. Escape; staring out the window is a means of escaping from the monotony and tediousness of life that Louise experiences on a
regular basis.
OC. Independence; staring out the window makes her aware of the life that lies before her, as well as the personal liberty she has
within her reach.
O D.
Sadness; staring out the window evokes a feeling of sadness within her as she views the world moving on, while she is stuck in



Answer :

Based on the excerpt from Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," the open window comes to symbolize C. Independence for Louise.

1. Independence: Staring out the window allows Louise to envision a future filled with freedom and personal liberty. She sees spring days, summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own, suggesting a newfound sense of independence and autonomy.

2. Awareness of Life Ahead: The act of looking out the window makes her aware of the life that lies before her, signifying a shift in her perspective towards embracing the opportunities and possibilities that await her without the constraints of her previous life.

3. Personal Liberty: Through the imagery of the open window, Louise is able to perceive a world beyond her current circumstances, highlighting the personal liberty she now realizes she has within her reach to shape her own destiny and make choices for herself.

In conclusion, the open window symbolizes independence for Louise, representing her newfound sense of freedom, awareness of life's possibilities, and personal liberty to live on her own terms.