Short Story Reading Guide
The Story of an Hour
by Kate Chopin
Est. Time
30-45 mins
Level
B1
Themes
Freedom, Marriage, Identity
1Quick Reading Guide
Warm Up
Title Guess: Why "an hour"? What can happen in an hour?
Reading
Sentence Anatomy: Pick 3 long sentences and break them down.
Evidence
Theme Discussion: Freedom vs Social Expectations.
Discussion
The Ending: Is the doctor's diagnosis ironic? Why?
2Scaffolds for Support
Sentence Starters
- •"At first, Louise feels..."
- •"She whispers "free" because..."
- •"It is ironic that..."
3Vocabulary & Grammar
Key Words
liberationrepressiongriefpulsewhisperedabandonresolveexhilarationpossesscollapse
Grammar Focus
Free Indirect Discourse (Inner Monologue)
4Writing Task
Micro-Writing
Write Louise’s plan for the "next day" if the ending hadn’t happened.
Rubric Checklist
- Include 3 "wish" sentences
- Reflect her new freedom
- Keep tone consistent