How does the news of her husband's death affect Mrs. Mallard?

Question

A. She is at first overcome with grief, but soon she realizes that his death will allow her to lead an independent life.
B. She pretends to mourn her husband, but she is privately happy to rid herself of the man whom she never loved.
C. She is physically upset by the news, and this distress triggers her heart condition and kills her.
D. She is at first happy to hear that he is dead, but she comes to realize that she will still miss him.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. She is at first overcome with grief, but soon she realizes that his death will allow her to lead an independent life.

In Kate Chopin's short story "The Story of an Hour," Mrs. Mallard experiences an initial wave of sorrow upon hearing about her husband's death. However, after some reflection, she begins to feel a sense of freedom and opportunity for independence that comes with his passing. This realization brings her joy amidst the sadness she initially felt.