Plot Points
This event kicks off the story and sets the plot in motion.
What is the news of Brently Mallard's death.
She is the protagonist of the story.
Who is Louise Mallard.
The open window in Louise's room symbolizes this.
What is freedom/opportunity/new life.
The "heart trouble" mentioned in the first line hints at this symbolic idea.
What is emotional conflict/repression.
Chopin's tone shifts from sorrowful to this as Louise contemplates her future.
What is hopeful/celebratory.
Louise Mallard retreats to this location after hearing the news.
What is her bedroom.
He is Louise's husband, presumed dead.
Who is Brently Mallard.
The story explored this major theme related to marriage.
What is the oppression or confinement of women.
Louise's death may represent this broader feminist commentary.
What is the cost of losing one's freedom/return to societal roles.
The use of soft, gentle language like "delicious breath of rain" enhances this tone.
What is peaceful/dreamy.
Louise experiences this unexpected emotion after the initial grief.
What is joy or freedom.
She gently breaks the tragic news to Louise.
Who is Josephine.
Louise's feeling of freedom is sparked by the realization of this?
What is her independence/life without her husband.
Rhe use of spring imagery alongside death news creates this literary contrast.
What is juxtaposition/irony.
The diction used to describe Brently Mallard is purposefully this.
What is mild or generic/unthreatening.
The story ends with this ironic twist.
What is Brently Mallard walking in alive.
He is at the newspaper office when the accident is reported.
Who is Richards.
This natural imagery outside the window reflects Louise's emotions.
What are signs of spring/blue sky/birds/new life.
"The joy that kills" can be interpreted as this kind of statement.
What is ironic/sarcastic social commentary.
Chopin's final line uses this tone device to shock the reader.
What is irony.
The final line says Louise died of this cause.
What is "the joy that kills".
This character never actually appears in the story except by report.
Who is the railroad conductor.
The phrase "free, free, free" highlights this literary theme.
What is liberation/female autonomy.
Chopin never shows Louise's thoughts on love, which implies this.
What is that love is not central to her identity/freedom outweighs love.
Louise's inner monologue is filled with this type of language that reflects empowerment.
What is liberating/self affirming language.