1) What kind of relationship do the Mallards have? Is Brently Mallard unkind to Louise Mallard, or is there some other reason for her saying "free, free, free!" when she hears of his death? Do you think Mr. Mallard is a bad husband? Why or why not? How does Mrs. Mallard feel about him?

Question

2) Mrs. Mallard is described as descending the stairs "like a goddess of Victory." In what ways does she feel herself victorious?

3) What view of marriage does the story present? The story was published in 1894; does it only represent attitudes toward marriage in the nineteenth century, or could it equally apply to attitudes about marriage today?

Answer 1

1. The relationship between Brently Mallard and Louise Mallard is complex and reflects the dynamics of marriage in the late 19th century. While it cannot be explicitly stated that Brently is unkind to Louise, their marriage seems to lack emotional intimacy and fulfillment for her. Her exclamation of "free, free, free!" upon hearing of his death suggests that she feels a sense of relief and newfound autonomy rather than joy at the loss of her husband. This indicates that she may have felt confined by the expectations of marriage and society. It wouldn't be accurate to label Brently as a "bad husband" without understanding the societal context of their relationship. He likely embodies the traditional roles of a husband during that era, which may involve emotional distance rather than overt cruelty. Louise seems to feel a complicated mix of sadness for his death and exhilaration at the prospect of living for herself, implying that while there may have been care, her personal needs remained unfulfilled.

2. When Mrs. Mallard descends the stairs "like a goddess of Victory," she feels victorious in her newfound sense of freedom. After processing her husband's death, she begins to envision a life unbound by the restrictions of marriage. Her feeling of victory stems from the realization that she can now live for herself, pursue her ambitions, and make choices independently. This transformation signifies her awakening to the possibility of self-identity and liberation in a society that often confines women to subordinate roles within marriage.

3. The story presents a critical view of marriage, suggesting that it can be stifling and limiting, particularly for women. The constraints imposed by societal expectations and traditional gender roles highlight the struggle for individuality and freedom within the institution of marriage. Although the story is rooted in the late 19th century, its themes resonate with contemporary discussions about marriage and personal autonomy. Many people today still grapple with finding balance between personal identity and marital commitments. The exploration of suffocating relationships and the quest for personal freedom remains relevant, making the story applicable to both historical and modern contexts.