"Story of an Hour"

In "The Story of an Hour" there are several key descriptions in the story that foreshadow its outcome. The first is the mention of Mrs. Mallard’s health condition, "Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble [. . .]". We realize at the end of the story the importance this statement had at suggesting the outcome of the story. By pointing out Mrs. Mallard's heart problems it validates the doctor's diagnosis at the end, and makes the cause of death seem more probable to the reader. Secondly, the narrator’s description of the surroundings suggests the outcome may be different than you expect. In paragraph five the narrator describes what Mrs. Mallard saw outside of her window, “She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life”. The new spring life symbolizes the rebirth of Brently Mallard after he was presumed dead. Unfortunately for the characters Mr. Mallard’s sudden rebirth also brought about Mrs. Mallards death.