At first this story made my heartache. I was having sympathy for Mrs. Mallard. I couldn’t imagine the news of hearing my husband had been killed, regardless of how our relationship was. I haven’t had anyone close to me die so I’m not sure how the grieving process is but I have seen the pain and hurt people have felt when they have lost a dear one. This piece of work made me think about reality and how anything can happen. While reading, the protagonist stood out the most, Mrs. Mallard. Watching her behavior change over a short period of time made me wonder if she even loved her husband or was her marriage that horrible.
There are a few elements that can be used to describe this short story. I believe Chopin wanted us to focus on the protagonist. From the beginning of the story, Mrs. Mallard previously had heart problems before she was told about the death of her husband. I think Chopin wanted the readers not to be surprised at the end, when Mrs. Mallard died of a heart disease. The author describes a short grieving period until the moment Mrs. Mallard starts to say “free, free, free!” Again, the focus point from this statement on was the awkwardness of her behavior. It’s not normal for people to feel relieved when a spouse has been killed. It led me to asking questions to myself. How bad can a marriage be to have the emotions Mrs. Mallard had? Was it a marriage she was forced into? Then when she realizes her husband is alive she has a heart attack. It made me think; is it better to be dead then to live and be married to a man that causes pain and heartache?
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteAlthough you show sympathy for Mrs. Mallard, my sympathy for her was short-lived. Perhaps I am too quick to judge, but it was stated by Louise Mallard herself that her husband was a kind and loving man. Your suggestion that perhaps it was a forced marriage, is a possibility. Most relationships have one partner with the dominant role. But, being so uncaring, and even taking joy in the death of a spouse has its consequences. Mrs. Mallard found that out for herself.
While I do agree with your description of Mrs. Mallard’s behavior as being “awkward” upon experiencing a joy from her husband’s death, I also believe that this very behavior can also be viewed as normal. I believe it is a natural emotion for a woman, or a man for that matter, who has felt suppressed by their spouse. Mrs. Mallard is like many people who have found themselves in a situation or a marriage that they could not figure out how to get out of. The main difference being that most of these situations don’t end up in death. Maybe if Chopin had revealed a bit more about the dynamics of their marriage we might understand or even accept Mrs. Mallard’s feelings of joy.
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on Mrs. Mallard's reaction. I don't think it's normal to feel relief rather than sadness when someone dies, epecially someone that important in your life. While I really enjoyed the story, it left me wondering about their marriage as well. I think it was a little distracting but perhaps that was her intetention?
Toni,
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you. I was sympathetic for Mrs. Mallard at first. I think she got what she deserved!
I agree, Mrs. Mallard's feelings about the death were abnormal, In any normal relationship she would have felt sorrow for her loss but in this case she was relieved. This has to indicate that there was something worng with their relationship.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mallard's feelings after the incident were definitely not what I was expecting, however I wonder if she felt that way as a result of being overwhelmed with shock. Maybe she was in a bad marriage, but even if she didn't love her husband I would imagine that it would still be very upsetting. I agree with Kayla, that person would still be an important part of your life, so wouldn't she care more either way?
ReplyDelete