Looking through an open window in her room, Mrs. Mallard mourns the death of her husband. As she looks out the window, she sees new opportunities and freedom. She sees the new spring life, which means the birth/rebirth of her freedom. The story leads us to believe that she has NO freedom in her “old life” but lots more in her “new life”. This quote brings to life the excitement that the author is trying to show – she is “free, free, free”(Chopin - #10).
Mrs. Mallard had many mixed feelings when she heard about her husband’s death. Was she a bad person for having this freedom? Her husband was dead. She loved him; she knew she would cry again. “She knew she would see the kind, tender, hand filled in death”(Chopin - #12). This quote explains how she was not positive about her freedom, still knowing that she still loved her husband. He was cruel and retained her freedom but at the same time he was kind, tender and nice to her.
Richards stands waiting at the bottom of the stairs for Mrs. Mallard and Josephine. The door opens, Richards sees Mr. Mallard.