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How does Mrs. Mallard die?
Mrs. Mallard dies at the end of the story after her husband, whom she believed was dead, returns home completely unharmed. The doctors attribute her death to her heart condition, and while this may be the literal cause, the sudden loss of her newfound freedom also figuratively contributes to her demise. The grief she feels as she sees the possibility of a joyful future disappear in an instant is enough to break her heart and kill her.
What does the open window symbolize?
The open window in Louise’s room symbolizes the endless possibilities that exist for her once her husband is gone. She sees a vibrant and lively world outside, and the energy of this environment reaches in through the window and enlivens her. The frame of the window acts as a metaphorical lens through which she can see the brightness that her future holds. When she walks away from the window and the “elixir of life” that it brings to her at the end of the story, her life of freedom disappears as well.
What do Josephine and Richards represent?
Josephine and Richards represent the traditional attitudes and behaviors of their patriarchal culture, and their presence works to create a contrast with Louise’s emerging sense of self-determination. They both try to shield Louise from the impact of Brently’s death, an approach which comes from a place of concern but also reflects the assumption that women are weak and overemotional. Josephine’s call for Louise to leave her room symbolizes the social pressure that seeks to keep women submissive, and the fact that Richards shields Brently from his wife rather than helping her speaks to the dispensability of women.
What does “a joy that kills” mean?
The last line of the story ends on an ominous note as Chopin describes Louise’s heart disease as “a joy that kills.” While the characters in the story may believe that the joy of her husband’s return caused her death, readers can infer that the loss of joy is ultimately to blame. Brently’s return means the end of the freedom that she dreamed of, and this loss breaks her heart and kills her. The irony in this double meaning highlights the disconnect between Louise and the world around her.
How old is Mrs. Mallard?
While Chopin does not clearly define how old Louise is, she offers a few key details to suggest that she is a young wife. Chopin describes her early in the story as “young, with a fair, calm face,” and near the end explains that she feared “that life might be long.” This information suggests that Louise and Brently have not been married for a particularly long time and points to just how oppressed she feels in the confines of a relationship. Her dissatisfaction developed not over decades, but likely over a few short years.
