Written in 1894 by Kate Chopin, the "The Story of an Hour"" is a controversial story about women, men, and the institution of marriage. To appreciate the story, it's important to understand that the Mallards' marriage was typical of most marriages of that era. That does not mean that Mrs. Mallard's reaction to the news of her husband's death would have been typical; however, men and women (husbands and wives) had clearly defined roles that they knew and understood. Consequently, Mrs. Mallard's contrasting feelings throughout the story are complex, controversial and probably mirror the true feelings of most women of the era who resented their unequal status to their spouses. .
Nothing in the story suggests that Brently Mallard is anything other than a caring, loving husband. "She knew that she would weep again when she saw the kind, tender hands folded in death " (Chopin). She had loved this man and he had never put her in a position of fear. He was just a normal, nice man, living in the era. Chopin continues to say "the face that had never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray and dead " (Chopin). It would be so incredibly hard for this woman to set eyes upon her husband. It would be an overwhelming feeling. Mr. Mallard had been more than in love to treat this woman with such respect, he just treated her like a great husband would during this time period. Louise is ready for the transition on life though.
In spite of Mr. Mallard's good qualities, Louise finds him oppressive. You can see the shift in her feelings when it says "But she saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely. And she opened and spread her arms out to them in welcome " (Chopin). Louise realizes what this means for her in her life. She is finally able to do what she wants. Whenever and wherever, she no longer has someone to tell her what she needs to do. As she whispers to herself when she locks herself in the room, "Free! Body and soul free! " Chopin goes on to describe "Spring days, and summer days, and all sorts of days that would be her own.
