Question

Reread the first sentence of "The Story of an Hour."

Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.

What does this first sentence imply about Mrs. Mallard?

She is obsessed with her husband's welfare.

She is fragile both physically and emotionally.

She adores her husband more than her own life.

She is not likely to care that her husband has died.

Answer 1

The first sentence implies that Mrs. Mallard is fragile both physically and emotionally. The mention of her heart trouble suggests that she is in a delicate state, and the care taken to break the news of her husband's death indicates that her emotional state might be vulnerable as well.