The Story of an Hour

What do you think is the larger meaning or message of this story?

It appeared that, after she calmed down from the initial shock of her husband's death, Mrs. Mallard was relieved that her husband was "dead". She was free. It's not that she didn't love her husband, she just finally felt free to do her own thing and be independent. So she came to the conclusion that this was going to be her new life. She would be living on her own, and perhaps she could truly find out who she really is. Which in my opinion can only happen by really looking at yourself and finding out who you are, and being content with what you see. Something that is hard to do when you live your life with someone else and have never known otherwise.

So to me, the larger meaning behind the story is that some people really are in search to find themselves, and they don't want to rely on other people to do so. And when she found out her husband was still alive she couldn't handle it because she had already made her mind up that she was going to lead this great new life, a life she could be happy with, and on her own terms.

Independence is a strong attribute to have, whether you are in a relationship/marriage or not.

Peace.