what evidence in the text suggests that mrs.malard did not react as others expected her to when hearing of her husbands death

Answer 1

In Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," Mrs. Mallard's reaction to the news of her husband's death is unexpected and nuanced. Evidence from the text suggests this deviation from societal norms in several ways:

1. Initial Shock and Grief: While there is an initial indication of grief when Mrs. Mallard hears the news, as noted through her weeping and the physical descriptions of her response, the depth of her emotional reaction contrasts sharply with societal expectations of a widow's sorrow.

2. Sense of Freedom: After retreating to her room, Mrs. Mallard experiences a profound sense of relief and freedom upon contemplating her new life without her husband. She reflects on her newfound independence, thinking to herself, "Free! Body and soul free!" This realization suggests a complex emotional state that most would not expect from someone mourning a spouse.

3. Conflict with Social Norms: The text emphasizes her thoughts about her marriage not being entirely fulfilling. She muses about the oppressive nature of her relationship, indicating that her internal struggle is more about her desire for independence than about the loss of her husband. This perspective challenges the conventional view of marriage in her society, where a wife's primary role is to be devoted to her husband.

4. Physical Reactions: The description of her physical transformation—her face taking on a "fair" aspect and her body relaxing—implies a sense of liberation rather than sorrow. This contrasts sharply with how society typically expects a widow to behave, highlighting the unexpected nature of her response.

5. Final Twist: The ultimate irony occurs when her husband unexpectedly returns home unharmed, leading to Mrs. Mallard's death from shock. This twist reinforces her initial complex reaction, illustrating how her fleeting sense of freedom was a powerful yet socially unacceptable response to her husband's passing.

These elements together create a rich tapestry that underscores Mrs. Mallard's unconventional reaction, illustrating her internal conflict and the societal constraints placed upon women during that era.