Susan B Anthony once said "Independence is happiness", but l Independence has not always been easily accessible to all genders. Chopin's stories with strong female roles, "The Tempest" and "The Story of an Hour," express themes of female independence and marriage; they are used to convey that although the strength of relationships is assumed by society, they are still dwarfed by personal desires. Many women in this period considered feelings of female liberation absurd because they were countercultural to the stay-at-home wife, however, Chopin's characters showed opposition to the norm because they had confused emotions due to uncertainty about how to react to their desires, a desire to freedom to make personal decisions from an oppressive male dominant society and due to physical and emotional isolation from their significant other, which followed the socially accepted behavior of women during this era. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Chopin supports the female stereotype that women are confusing when it comes to their emotions and desires, illustrating two women who challenge society by reacting sincerely themselves, when given the opportunity. She expresses this through her main roles, Calixta and Mrs. Mallard, from "The Storm" and "The Story of an Hour". “The Storm” depicts a wife, Calixta, who is left at home during a storm while her husband and son are out purchasing goods. Calixta initially begins to worry about her family during the storm, until her emotions are shattered by the unexpected arrival of a guest. Chopin attempts Calixta's marriage by placing her ex, Alcée, at her door. Calixta didn't seem to be disappointed in her marriage, but when given the chance to remain loyal, she chose the devil on her opposite shoulder. “They paid no attention to the crashing streams, and the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms” (“The Tempest,” 436). Additionally, the main character feels a sense of excitement and independence when given the opportunity to jump on Alcée. This sense of independence and freedom takes over and Calixta no longer thinks about marriage to her husband. Chopin shows the reader that human relationships are difficult to keep strong, due to a lack of trust and loyalty. In addition to Calixta cheating on her spouse, Alcée is also ambiguous towards her significant other. As reported in Alcée's letter to his wife, “He told her not to go back” (“The Tempest,” 437). Looking at social morality, Chopin reflects how when it comes to doing the right thing, selfishness, such as the preference for personal independence, is more important than one's marriage. Neither Calixta nor Alcée told their spouses the truth, keeping their relationship under wraps. However, when it comes to “Story of an Hour,” the female protagonist feels a different kind of emotional confusion. Mrs. Mallard has recently discovered her husband's death and doesn't seem to know whether she is devastated or relieved. Chopin begins to illustrate how important Mrs. Mallard's marriage was, for example, when she learned of her husband's death she was like "a child who has cried himself to sleep [and] continues to sob in his dreams" ("The Story of an Hour,” 425). However, he later moves on to transform his character's emotions into relief and a sense of independence, as he said “over and over again under his breath: 'free, free, free!'” (“The Story”). of an hour”, 426). The author shows how this is not always taken into accountof social morality. Furthermore, many people would say that Mrs. Mallard's newfound relief and happiness is immoral. Chopin shows that some human relationships are not always true and that people may not know what they feel until they are alone. Freedom can consume an individual and lead to difficult situations. Chopin's characters in his two powerful stories experienced this desire in different but similar situations. Calixta feels the need for freedom in making the decision to be with Alcée because she feels she cannot escape the storm, which symbolizes her relationship with her husband. Chopin uses this aspiration for independence to show how women felt burdened by their husband's rule. Marriage is questioned: should one remain faithful and be unhappy or be unrestricted and exultant? When Calixta becomes involved with Alcée, she feels a sense of bliss and empowerment that she hadn't felt before her arrival. “His firm, supple flesh knowing its birthright for the first time… And when he possessed it, they seemed to faint together at the very edge of life's mystery” (“The Tempest,” 436). Furthermore, Chopin shares how it should be morally acceptable to be satisfied without a husband, but also shows that human affairs can be destroyed by the demand for something greater. In contrast, Mrs. Mallard, from “The Story of an Hour,” felt more of a moment of release when she discovered her husband's death. When Mrs. Mallard's feelings change from sorrow to joy, Chopin demonstrates her transition from imprisonment to freedom. Mrs. Mallard realizes that “what can love, the unsolved mystery, count in the face of this achievement of self-affirmation which she suddenly recognizes as the strongest impulse of her being” (“The Story of an Hour” , 426). Chopin shows how, although most women fell into depression after the death of their husband, Mrs. Mallard found relief, which was against social morality. Of course, Chopin expresses how relationships can bring you back from the feeling of euphoria you deserve. Calixta and Mrs. Mallard are similar in that they were both happier when their husband was out of the picture. This is an unpleasant event for a woman, but Chopin is able to demonstrate the strong message to the readers that not all women remain silent, some strive for independence. Feelings of confinement can impact more individuals than just those behind bars. Chopin's characters experience different forms of internment, but both lead to similar desires. In "The Storm", Calixta feels a sense of physical confinement through her husband when she is left alone during the storm while he and his son go outside. “He stood at the window with a very troubled expression on his face” (“The Tempest,” 435). If Calixta had not been left alone to think, Chopin shares that she would not have made the decision to have a relationship with Alcée. “Alcée got up and joined her at the window” (“The Tempest,” 435). With these two quotes Chopin shows how Alcée stepped in and seized the opportunity that her husband had left behind. Although it was against social norms for wives to leave the house to run errands, marriage is preventing Calixta from experiencing the freedom she thirsts for. Furthermore, Chopin reveals that human relationships must be equal to remain healthy and prosper. On the other hand, in "The Story of an Hour", Mrs. Mallard experiences emotional confinement. When Mr. Mallard was still alive, he subconsciously prevented Mrs. Mallard from loving herself. “There would be no one to live for her in the years to come; she would live for herself” (“The Story of an Hour,” 426). Chopin reveals that even if marriage is a.