i need help expanding this practice essay into 3 MORE pages, continuing it as a literary analysis: In the 1900s women faced prevalent oppression across every facet of their lives. Within the workplace, they were limited in what work they could even then, they were paid a minimal fraction of what men worked. And if they did not choose to work, they didn't have the option of studying, since in these times no college or university would accept women into their schools. These doors were completely barred to women. Social expectations made it the norm for women to get married, and it was expected of them to be a good mother and wife. Their whole identities consisted of caring for their husband, children, and the home. Kate Chopin, in "The Story of an Hour," uses irony and symbolism to show the reader that women were not happy with the oppressive and submissive gender roles of early 1900's society. Through irony, Kate Chopin describes the oppression that women faced and how they were unhappy with their roles in the early 1900s. This is done with how the author describes Mrs. Mallard's heart condition both at the end and beginning of the passage. At the beginning of the passage, the people of society, her husband's friend, make sure to tell her that her husband died with caution due to a heart condition that Mrs. Mallard has. Since any strong emotion could trigger an accident, they assumed that like any other subservient and loving wife, receiving news like this would devastate her. This is ironic because it is these news that bring the opposite emotion out of her; joy. It was once she received this news that she was able to actually feel happy. In addition, the emphasis of her heart condition since the beginning of the passage served as a parallel to how the story would end, it was precisely her husband not dying what killed her. The women of this time were imposed with the mentality and the way of life, which did not have a mind and decision of their own. Women longed for the day they could live for themselves, without having to depend on someone who would do it and decide for them, just as it is highlighted in "The Story of An Hour". The author states, ..."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." This depicts the woman's desire and yearning for the simplest of things and moments to enjoy but did not receive. Furthermore, it demonstrates how unhappy women were with their lives and what their lives consisted of. In the "Story of an Hour" the author uses symbolism when describing what Louise saw out her window to explain the idea that women were expected to live entirely for their families and the restrictions placed on them by society. During this time, women's roles and obligations were limited to that of the household and how they were supposed to act for and by their husbands, without any real autonomy of their own. When Louise Mallard receives the news of her husband's passing she was even expected from society to be heartbroken and completely devastated. But this was not the case. Louise Mallard felt reassured because she would finally be able to live for herself, without her marital or household obligations. Her reaction to the news of his passing emphasizes the oppression women of this era experienced. Her newfound freedom promised opportunities for her to decide over her own life and explore her own identity, since up until that point all she was known and valued for was her husband's wife. When Chopin describes the "open square before Louise's house, the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life, the delicious breath of rain in the air, the distant song, the sparrows twittering, and the patches of blue sky", she is describing something completely new and foreign; freedom. The view Louise Mallard had from her window also emphasizes how she was confined and trapped into her own house, limiting her to only that setting. It was expected of women to be at home, this is where they were taught to belong. Although women have socially fought and lived amidst the historical oppression facing us, we still see unfair treatment persist today. Personally, my upbringing in a hispanic family with Mexican relatives, is enriched with the mentality that women's role primarily revolves around serving men. I have challenged this traditional mindset by standing my ground. I seize the opportunity to demonstrate self-reliance by taking initiative for myself, when I have been placed in situations like these. I emphasize that these should be choices made by one, and not obligations. Similar to how the author states, "There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself.There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature." This emphasizes the point that women at this time followed societal gender roles but yearned for something different. They wanted to simply be able to live for themselves and not be subjected to another person, specifically a man. To live for themselves. We all have the right to decide for ourselves what we want in this life, and by instilling this mentality we can break this way of thinking, dismantling old stereotypes and pave the way for a more inclusive society. To conclude, this passage demonstrates how women of this time period acted, were expected to think, and what their lives consisted of. We now live in different times and by remembering and honoring the experiences of women who came before us, we appreciate the progress that has been made and recognize the work that remains ahead in order to achieve equality regardless of gender.