The Story of an Hour Symbolism, Imagery & Allegory

Hearts are frequently used to symbolize love in Western art and culture. We bet you've seen this emoticon before:

The fear of death hovers over the Mallards' house like a constant specter. People are always trying to keep it away. Even on the best of normal days, Mrs. Mallard has to be guarded against a potent...

See our sections "What's Up With the Title?" and "Themes: Time" for more on the motif of "time" within the story.