Louise Mallard Character Analysis in The Story of an Hour

In “The Story of an Hour,” Mrs. Mallard, struggling with heart trouble, is still mourning the death of her husband. Due to Mrs. Mallard's unhealthy marriage, she reacted very differently from how most women in the 19th century would have acted. In the 19th century, all women were expected to abide by their husbands’ commands. Mrs. Mallard's reaction was very unusual; she was very upset in the beginning. As time passed, Mrs. Mallard began to realize that being married to her husband was never truly happy. She was very independent. When realizing that she would never have to see his face again, she was absolutely thrilled.

In this short story, the author tells us that Mrs. Mallard feels that she would rather live a longer life without him. “It was only yesterday that she thought with a shudder that life might be long” (787). This story takes a very unexpected turn of events. Starting from the beginning, Mrs. Mallard’s sister is breaking the news of her husband's death. Mrs. Mallard is devastated… or is she? She begins to think of how free she would be if he was truly gone. “She said it over and over under her breath: ‘free, free, free!’ The vacant stare and look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body” (786). She begins to realize how great her life would be without him. She realizes that she could now go and do without him and live on her own. She was finally free. 

Mrs. Mallard lives for herself, “She said, ‘Free! Body and Soul Free!’” (787). It seems as if Mrs. Mallard had no control over herself, almost as if Mr. Mallard controlled her mind, soul, and body. Mrs. Mallard realizes that she is finally free. What she did not realize was that she had wasted so much time trying to convince herself that she was free. Mrs. Mallard, holding her head high walking down the stairs, was greeted by someone she would have never expected. “He stood amazed at Josephine’s piercing cry; at Richards’ quick motion to screen him from the view of his wife. But Richards was too late” (787). Mr. Brently Mallard, opening the door, causing Mrs. Mallard to die instantly. Mrs. Mallard died of heart disease- a “joy” that kills. She was finally free, and nothing could take that away this time.

Kate Chopin explains how Mrs. Mallard feels about her relationship with her husband and many unexpected turns of events. “And yet she had loved him-sometimes. Often she had not. What did it matter!” (787). Mrs. Mallard went from being sad, to happy, and then dies of sadness as she discovers that he is still alive. Mr. Brently was actually not even near the railroad accident. “He had been far from the scene of accident, and did not even know there had been one” (787). Mrs. Mallard is a character that has been controlled by a man. Mr. Brently would not allow Mrs. Mallard to go anywhere with or without him. He was very controlling and she had no choice but to put up with him. Mrs. Mallard let him control her body, mind, soul, and heart. He wanted her to sit at home all day every day. Mrs. Mallard was in a very toxic relationship and it is very good that she could get away, even if it meant death.

In conclusion, Mrs. Mallard was not happy in her marriage. Mr. Mallard controlled her most of the time. She could not clasp the thought of living with him any longer. She accepted the fact that he was gone and constantly repeated to herself that she was finally free.