I found “The story of an Hour” to be a great, easy, interesting read.
The impression I got about Mrs. Mallard is that she was stuck in a relationship that she wanted out of. I guess at that time divorce was not an option and therefore she just went on with her life without knowing any better. She didn’t enjoy the life she had. When the news of her husband’s death was revealed to her she mourned a bit and after was overwhelmed by a feeling of freedom.
I got the feeling that her marriage did not allow her to enjoy life. After the news of her husband’s death she starts to think that finally now she will live for herself. She finally started thinking of her life, her future.
I have to disagree with Gaiane on the ending. I didn’t find it funny, but ironic. The person believed to be killed, lived and the person who just started to plan her life dies. I guess she died form the excitement of her dreams.
