"The Story of a Hour" Kate Chopin (1894)

Mrs. Mallard’s heart problem is symbolic for her broken relationship with her husband. After she is informed her husband is dead, she endures the first stage of grief but then is over come with a feeling of freeness. As she sat motionless thinking what the loss of her husband would play in her life, she was overcome with the thought she was free, even as she fought the thoughts she repeats the words, “free, free, free.” The Mallards are not engaged in each others relationship. Mr. Mallard has been away from home for a long period of time working on a railroad, most likely earning a wage for him and his wife. Ms. Mallard is filled with the feeling of freedom when her husband is reported dead, but when he arrives home unannounced; she dies of joy when realizing he is not dead. The relationship the Mallards have is complicated; they are dependent on each other for support but are not tied to each other. Although the setting is limited, it is important to themes in the story. With her husband alive, Mrs. Mallard is confined to her large room. As she descends the stair case it is symbolic her releasing herself from her relationship and being “free.”