Mrs. Mallard receives news of her husband's death in a train accident. She initially weeps and sits alone, looking at spring day. Louise, her new name, realizes she's free from her husband's control. She opens door to sister Josephine, who urges her to leave. Mr. Mallard walks through door, unaware of accident
Mrs. Mallard receives news of her husband's death from sister Josephine. She initially weeps in sister's arms but later retreats to her room. She sees spring life through window, experiencing a sudden sense of freedom. She declares "free, free, free" and prepares to leave her room. Her husband, Brently, enters, unaware of the accident
Published in 1894 in St. Louis Life magazine. Later included in "Vojageur" and "Bayou Folk" collections. Features unique narrative structure about Louise Mallard's grief
Kate Chopin wrote the story in 1894 during America's changing social landscape. Chopin lost her father in a railroad accident at a young age. She married Oscar Chopin and had seven children in New Orleans