Mrs. Mallard was like a symbol for all women, and the idea that women don't have to yield to the pressures of society. Mr. Mallard's death was like the death of the social norm, back then, that women get married and become subservient to their husbands. Succumbing to family and societal pressures to marry young, cook, and clean for their husbands. The story took place during spring, a time of renewal, and a time to start again. In the sky she saw a patch of blue, which was hope. Surrounding the blue sky were grey clouds, which symbolize the pressure form people and a "patriarchal society"(120). That she should morn her husband's death and not feel happiness. .
According to Daniel P Deneau, "In addition, one of the problems presented by the passage is the fact that Louise meets the "something" with both fear and anticipation. Clearly what occurs is some type of sexual experience, one that at first seems, except for the anticipation, like a terrifying rape, but one that evolves into something sensually stimulating and relaxing, and, of course, spiritually illuminating. In short, a rape seems to have an ironic outcome."(211) That was not about rape at all. She feared the freedom that was coming for her. What would people think of here? What would she do? She was going to be released from her responsibilities of marriage and be a free woman. That is what she was afraid of at first, but then she started to see the good in it. Back in those days' women that were not following the norm were shunned from society and looked at as outcasts. Most women thought about the idea but were afraid to act on it, for fear of being looked down upon. With all of the positive signs around her she felt overwhelmed with a feeling; she wasn't sure what it was at first. When she "abandoned herself"(294),(Her idea, as well as many women during that time, that she has to serve her husband), she cried out "free,free,free!"(294).