Love Me Not

     In The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin the open window is a symbol for freedom and independence. Louise stares out the window and sees "patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds. . ." (326).  This shows her experiencing joy and the coming of spring.  It will be a new life for her as an independent woman.  The open window provides a look into her future and how bright it will be.  She is elated at the thought of being free.  However, when she looks away from the window, her freedom is lost.  When she was looking through the open window Louise could see life free from her husband.  She would have independence, but she turns and that view leaves her,  and soon after her freedom does too.  Her husband is alive and that bright future is now gone.