Reaction to The Character of Mrs Mallard

Initial Feelings Towards Her Husband

In Kate Chopin's short story "The Story of an Hour," Mrs. Mallard, the main character, goes on a pretty deep emotional journey. The story dives into themes like freedom and how marriage felt kind of suffocating back in the late 19th century. When she hears about her husband's death, her emotions are all over the place. At first, Mrs. Mallard comes across as this wife who's just sort of going along with things in a marriage that feels a bit much for her. She doesn't react to her husband's death in the way you'd think. The text even notes that she "did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance." It's like she's not as heartbroken as people might expect, which hints at her wanting some independence.

The author gives us little clues about how she really feels about her husband throughout the story. For instance, when she first gets the news of his death, it's more shock and disbelief than outright grief. This shows us that maybe she didn't feel quite as strongly for him as society would have liked. Plus, there's a line where it says she'll cry again when she sees his body—kind of complicated feelings there.

Evolution of Emotions

So, after hearing about her husband, Mrs. Mallard's emotions start changing big time. She goes to her room alone to think things over. During this quiet time by herself, she starts imagining what life could be without him and feels a weird sense of freedom and happiness—definitely not your typical widow's reaction.

Chopin uses some pretty vivid language here to show what Mrs. Mallard is going through emotionally. One phrase that stands out is "a monstrous joy rose within her." Her feelings are so strong and intense that they seem almost scary or wrong compared to what society expects from a grieving wife.

And then there’s this moment where she's looking out the window and notices patches of blue sky peeking through the clouds. That imagery represents hope and possibility—like there's finally space for something new in her life now that she's free from old constraints.

Implications of Freedom

This newfound freedom changes everything for Mrs. Mallard personally but also connects with bigger themes in the story about women's roles back then. She realizes how limiting her marriage was; suddenly wishing life could stretch longer instead of dreading its length before all these changes happened! In fact, right after gaining independence (even if just temporarily), we read how excitedly different things seem already: breathing quick prayers hoping they'll last forever rather than fearing extended existence like yesterday!

The author brings up ideas related specifically around female identity during those times too – showing how differently women thought/reacted outside typical molds set upon them by societal norms surrounding relationships/marriage dynamics overall today versus yesteryear traditions dictating subservience/dependence required primarily within wedlock arrangements themselves rather than individual pursuits beyond them altogether sometimes leading down paths misunderstood/unaccepted widely amongst peers/family alike unfortunately…

Conclusion

To wrap it up: Mrs.Mallard’s response isn’t simple—it mixes complex/conflicting emotions together unexpectedly given circumstance happening around/about/on behalf hers/herself alone uniquely therein still despite loss suffered firsthand either way regardless eventually ultimately anyway(s). Initially feeling ambivalence toward husband indicates desire seeking separation perhaps naturally after enduring enough under weighty expectations previously imposed until realization dawning full force regarding possibilities awaiting ahead afterward...which sadly disappears abruptly mere moments later tragically robbing potential gained anew completely leaving behind only reflection/questioning left undone unresolved potentially continuing forward indefinitely possibly onward forthwith hitherto henceforth further notice absent definitive conclusions drawn conclusively yet probably neither nor confirmed positively/negatively absolutely ultimately overall therefore whatsoever anywhere else thereafter finally instead somehow anyhow somewhere otherwise eventually…

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• Deneau D.P., (2003). Chopin's The Story Of An Hour. Explicator.
• Toth E.D., Seyersted P., (1999). Kate Chopin: A Critical Biography.
• Ewell B.,(1995). A New Biographical Approach To Chopin Studies.
• Bily C.A., ed.(2010). Short Stories For Students.
• Treu R.C., (2000). "Dissimulation And Desire In Chopin’s 'The Story Of An Hour'". Studies In Short Fiction.