Various authors use rhetorical devices to emphasize the plot or theme of their writings. Many use symbols to convey ideas or meanings. Others use irony to get the reader to analyze or paint a vivid picture of the unexpected. We see symbols in our daily lives. For example, in religion, the cross symbolizes hope and faith for Christians. In astrology, there are many symbols, called zodiacs, that identify a person's destiny and are used to determine their horoscope. Additionally, in ancient times, Egyptians used symbols to communicate with each other or for religious rituals; the writings were called hieroglyphics. On the other hand, irony can be best described when the unexpected happens. For example, it is strange for a police officer to be arrested or for a fire station to catch fire. In Kate Chopin's short story, a woman named Louise Mallard suffered from heart disease. When her sister Joséphine reveals to Louise her husband's tragic train accident, which caused his death, her reaction is bizarre. After being informed of her husband's death, she goes upstairs and locks herself in her room. She sits in her chair, looks out the window and fantasizes about what her life will be like without her husband, Mr. Mallard. Shortly after, Josephine comes to pick her up, thinking that Louise is going to get sick from the news and they both go down the stairs. To Mrs. Mallard's dismay, the door opens: Mr. Mallard was alive! Mrs. Mallard was shocked but mostly disappointed, because the future she dreamed of without her husband was ruined and dying. According to the doctor, she died of the joy that kills. There is no doubt that Kate Chopin included many symbolic and ironic references in her short story “The Story of an Hour.” In K...... middle of paper ......more, the audience never understood for Mrs. Mallard, a wife, to be happy with her husband's death. What would make someone happy with their death, especially a woman? Nevertheless, Mrs. Mallard was going to be unhappy because she may have loved her husband, but she was not in love with him. “Symbolism in “The Story of an Hour.” » 123help me. 123helpme, Inc., and Web. March 17, 2014. Chopin, Kate. “The story of an hour.” Heritage of American literature. Ed. James E. Miller. Vol 2. Austin: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991.487.Print.Craig, Alex. ““Story of an hour”: literary criticism. Yahoo!Voice. Yahoo, Inc., April 22, 2012. Web. March 17, 2014.Lorcher, Trent. "The irony in 'The Story of an Hour'." Bright Hub Education.Np, April 17. Web. March 17, 2014 Shmoop Editors. ““Story of an Hour” – Heart problem. » Shmoop.Shmoop, Inc., Nd Web. March 17 2014