Kate Chopin's “The Story of an Hour” and Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette's “The Hand” are similar in theme and setting. Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette and Kate Chopin create the theme of obligatory love and the unhappiness it entails. Both stories illustrate the hidden emotions that many women feel in their marriage but are unable to express them. The two stories take place in a sacred room of the house and both take place in a short space of time. The differences between the two stories are seen through the author's choice of characters in each story. In “The Story of an Hour” Kate Chopin involves other characters in Mrs. Mallard's life, while “The Hand” is about marriage and togetherness and involves only a husband and wife. Symbolism is present throughout “The Hand”, not so in “The Story of an Hour”. The similarities between "The Story of an Hour" and "The Hand" are depicted in the theme and setting. The differences are illustrated in the choice of characters involved in each story and the amount of symbolism depicted in the different stories. “The Story of an Hour” and “The Hand” are similar in setting. Both stories take place in a house and mainly take place in the bedroom, which is considered the sacred room of the house. It is no coincidence that both stories take place in a house, as it is believed that a woman's place is in the house. A woman's primary role in marriage is to serve her husband, bear his children, and make her home a pleasant place to return to at the end of the day. A woman is denied many freedoms and rights and is expected to submit to the dreams of men and society. Both stories take place in a short period of time. The events of “The Story of an Hour” unfold in just an hour from start to finish. Mrs. Mal... in the center of the paper... next. This is symbolic of her marriage which started out as happy and desirable and in such a short time she doubts her love for him and begins to see him as undesirable and animal-like. Women are afraid not to submit to the male species for fear of losing what they have and not being able to make it on their own. “The Story of an Hour” and “The Hand” both have notable similarities and differences. They share a common theme: women, marriage and the sacrifices they make for their family. The setting of both stories is significant in understanding the role of women hundreds of years ago. The symbolism depicted in “The Hand” is about relationships and marriage. When a relationship is new and everything is wonderful there are no fears or regrets. As time passes, even the most desirable qualities in someone will begin to be a nuisance rather than a joy.