Social Conflict in Lispeth and Story of an Hour"Lispeth" and "Story of an Hour" are both stories that address social conflicts through their impact on the protagonist . In both stories the protagonists seem largely unaware of the conflict and resulting oppression, until events occur that force them to see it. In both stories the protagonists are ultimately "defeated" by social conflicts; but the really important point of these stories is not winning or losing the struggle but the change that occurs as a result of the struggle. In "The Story of an Hour" Mrs. Mallard, as you would expect, is very saddened by her husband's death. But as he tries to adjust to his new status, he begins to change. The author conveys this in a couple of ways. She uses references to what is happening outside the window, “new spring life,” “patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds” to show nature parallels Mrs. Mallard's opening. The author also describes the realization of freedom as if it were a tangible thing, "something that comes after him," that she is fighting against. Her epiphany comes when she realizes that she has been oppressed. In this realization he finds new strength, courage and joy. It did not resolve the conflict; he just became aware of it. She now knows that although her husband was not a mean man, he imposed his will on her, and with the best of intentions or not, this was an oppressive act. It seems that she was not aware that she was a prisoner until she was freed, and by being free, life took on a new meaning, and she is a new person. But in the end Mr. Mallard did not die. And, as I said, Mrs. Mallard only discovered the conflict between men's and women's roles; he didn't solve it or overcome it. But she has changed, and this new person is unable to face the prospect of living in her old world: her shock kills her. One suspects that if she had not died physically, she would still have "died" spiritually. In "Lispeth" the conflict is between two cultures: one indigenous and the other colonial. As in "The Story of an Hour", the protagonist, Lispeth, does not seem to realize the conflict and embraces her oppressor. In fact, "she locked herself in her room for fear that they would take her away.