Character Study
She is the protagonist who learns of her husband's "death."
Who is Louise Mallard?
This object in Louise’s room represents the freedom of the outside world.
What is the Window?
The story’s ending is a classic example of this type of "twist" irony.
What is Situational/Dramatic Irony?
"Free! Body and soul ____!"
What is free?
Louise’s "heart trouble" is a metaphor for this part of her life.
What is her marriage?
He is the friend who brought the news of the railroad disaster.
Who is Richards?
These birds "twittering in the eaves" represent new life and vitality.
What are sparrows?
The "delicious breath of rain" is an example of this sensory device.
What is Imagery?
"She was drinking in a very ____ of life through that open window."
What is elixir?
This was the expected emotional reaction of a 19th-century widow.
What is total grief/devastation?
This character is Louise’s sister, who begs her to open the door.
Who is Josephine?
The "lines of repression" on Louise’s face symbolize this.
What is her unhappy/restricted life?
The phrase "monstrous joy" is an example of this two-word contradiction.
What is an Oxymoron?
"A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a ____."
What is a crime?
The story suggests that this social institution was a "burden" on the soul.
What is Marriage?
The "dead" husband who surprisingly walks through the door.
Who is Brently Mallard?
The patches of blue sky showing through the clouds symbolize this.
What is Hope/Renewal?
Chopin uses this POV to show Louise's internal thoughts vs. external actions.
What is 3rd Person Limited?
"There would be no powerful ____ bending hers in that blind persistence."
What is will?
Chopin’s critique of marriage focused on the loss of this "A-word" (self-rule).
What is Autonomy?
This group of people gives the final, ironic diagnosis of her death.
Who are the doctors?
Louise’s "white, slender hands" contrast with this type of "future" she sees.
What is a free/independent future?
The "storm of grief" is a metaphor that uses this specific natural imagery.
What is Extended Metaphor?
"She saw beyond that bitter moment a long procession of ____ to come."
What is years?
This is the specific year (or decade) in which the story was published.
What is 1894 (The 1890s)?