Introduction: “I Wandered Lonely as Cloud” and “The Story of an Hour”
“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” and “The Story of an Hour” both navigate the vast landscapes of human emotion, with Wordsworth’s serene daffodils echoing the fleeting joy discovered in Mrs. Mallard’s brief yet intense moment of liberation. Most creative minds often find themselves alone even in the midst of crowds. This solitude, while a form of loneliness, sometimes gnaws at individuals, transforming them into virtual lunatics. This phenomenon is universal, but poets and writers have a unique ability to channel it into their creative faculties. Wordsworth, for instance, embraced solitude, crafting poems that celebrated Mother Nature. His poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” exemplifies this, as he opens with a sentence centered around loneliness.
Similarly, Kate Chopin introduces Louise, the wife of Mr. Mallard, in “The Story of an Hour,” who seizes an opportunity when confronted with the news of her husband’s death. While both writers explore the theme of loneliness, their approaches differ yet share similarities. Wordsworth and Kate Chopin not only depict the solitude of their characters amidst others but also emphasize the freedom it brings and the joy found in nature.
Loneliness in “I Wandered Lonely as Cloud” and The Story of an Hour”
Wordsworth indeed starts his poem with a distinctive line, “I wandered lonely as a cloud” (1), but as he beholds the daffodils, he includes Mother Nature in his solitude, finding enjoyment in the flowers swaying in the wind while remaining alone in the picturesque scene. This opening underscores the poet’s loneliness, intertwined with the beauty of nature.
Similarly, Kate Chopin initiates her short story, “The Story of an Hour,” by portraying Louise being informed of her husband’s death by her sister. However, once the initial grief subsides, and she regains composure, she experiences a sense of isolation. Retreating to her room, she gazes out at the tops of trees in the open square before her house (Chopin 1), emphasizing her loneliness despite the presence of people outside. Although others are curious about her actions, she chooses to contemplate the forthcoming events following her husband’s death in solitude.
In the realm of profound loneliness, Wordsworth doesn’t mention people but rather describes flowers in a metaphorical dance, as if they were people. The competition between the waves and flowers is highlighted when he states, “Out-did the sparkling waves in glee” (13), suggesting that he immerses himself in observing nature to avoid any potential disturbance from people. This extreme loneliness persists even in the presence of others, as he finds solace solely in the company of flowers and waves, comparing their lively interaction.
Similarly, Kate Chopin’s character, Louise, contemplates the brighter side of life in her moments of solitude. With Mr. Mallard’s death, she perceives herself as free and envisions promising prospects, repeatedly uttering the word “free” (Chopin 2). Her struggle, detailed on the first page, anticipates the news to come, representing not only a battle but also a quest for freedom. Paradoxically, this quest intensifies her loneliness as she delves into contemplation about various aspects of her newfound freedom. Indeed, the loneliness depicted by both Wordsworth and Kate Chopin is far from being depressive and destructive; instead, it proves to be remarkably productive. Wordsworth revels in his solitude to the extent of comparing the lively dance of flowers and waves. In moments of pensive solitude, he finds the scene of nature bringing him “wealth the show to me had brought” (19), attributing the bliss solely to the solitude itself (21).
In “The Story of an Hour,” Louise, peering out of her window, envisions a multitude of promising futures. Discovering that Mr. Mallard had never truly enriched her life, she now relishes the prospect of living for herself and enjoying newfound freedom (3). Similar to Wordsworth’s connection with nature, Louise’s gaze out the window reveals a vibrant world, and her future appears bright with possibilities. The loneliness experienced by both characters transforms into a source of contemplative joy and optimistic reflections on their respective lives.
Conclusion: “I Wandered Lonely as Cloud” and The Story of an Hour”
In short, it becomes evident that loneliness serves as a distinctive trait of creative minds. Far from being a destructive force, these individuals harness loneliness for productive endeavors. Wordsworth, finding inspiration in nature, gains insightful perspectives, while Kate Chopin crafts a character capable of relishing complete freedom and envisioning a brighter future. Loneliness, as portrayed by both writers, emerges not as a curse but as a divine blessing, prompting a shift in perspective. It emphasizes that solitude, rather than being a cause for distress, can be a source of valuable insights and personal growth, transforming it into a constructive force that teaches profound lessons.
Works Cited: “I Wandered Lonely as Cloud” and The Story of an Hour”
- Chopin, Kate. “The Story of an Hour.” n. d. Web. Accessed Apr. 17, 2023.
- Wordsworth, William. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” n. d. Web. Accessed Apr. 17, 2023.
Relevant Questions about “I Wandered Lonely as Cloud” and The Story of an Hour”
- How do the themes of nature and solitude in “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” compare to the themes of freedom and confinement in “The Story of an Hour”?
- In what ways do the respective settings of Wordsworth’s tranquil daffodil-filled scene and Mrs. Mallard’s confined room contribute to the emotional tones of their respective works?
- How do the literary techniques used in “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” and “The Story of an Hour” convey the complexities of human experience and emotion?