The purpose of this study is to show that the theme of selfidentity
is a staple in Kate Chopin's Neg Creol, Beyond the Bayou, and
The Story of an Hour, and that Chopin's treatment of this theme reflects
her belief in the vitality of identity, unco
vers the structures of oppression
that impose certain designations on victims, and raises a lot of questions
about institutions. It is argued that proper names, proper places, and
property are significant as markers of identity and social status, which
the underprivileged are denied due to the oppression by power structures
that violate their rights in order to keep them so.
Identity is demonstrated as being central to one's existence, superior
to love, and worthy of being sought, regardless of the difficulties
created by power structures whose practices are called into question .
