Kate Chopin " The Story of the Hour

In this short story, I received  wave of mixed emotion's regarding the main character's role she may have played in society and in her home. Mrs. Mallard, has just received news that she had been unfortunately widowed. Her husband had been one the passenger's recognized as 'killed' in a railroad accident. She was comforted by her sister, as well as one of her husband's friends. After a moment of grief with them, she proceeded to grieve in her lonesome. Subsequently, her grief soon turned into what happiness. She confirmed to herself  that she was now "Free, free, free!" However, what was she free from I thought. I was a little perplexed, however, I considered the sociological structure of  women's role in society then and now, and I can only assume she may have been under  tremendous amount of stress.

Mrs. Mallard seems as if for jut that moment, she could do anything she wanted to, and she would be the sole benefit. Most importantly, there would be no consequence. She seems to have been liberating herself. She knew in that moment that there would be no one other than herself that she would have to do anything for. Considering all that women were allowed to do in 1894, she would not have to be anyone's 'Wife'. The story also indicated that their marriage as not so perfect. Mrs. Mallard Indicated "She loved him- sometimes. Often she had not". I then questioned, was her short grieving process sincere? Did she even love him at all? She seemed to have valued her liberation, her freedom, her life apposed to a lost love.

Unfortunately Mrs. Mallard would meet her unfortunate fa when unbeknownst to everyone, her husband returns home. He is unharmed, and knew nothing of the accident in which hi death was reported. She died as a result of " heart disease-of the joy that kills". I say who's joy?! What Joy?! Are they assuming she was overwhelmed with "joy" of  her husbands return? I am left to assume so. However, I don't believe this is the case. I think its the preparation of  the over all excitement of what was to come. In 1 hour, she saw her life end and begin again. In the blink of an eye it was all snatched from her.....Nothing to look forward to outside of the life she knew. She had the freedom to be a Woman. To be someone free of social norms, I think ultimately it was to much for her to accept.