over now not having to worry about anyone else. She is looking forward to only living for herself from that point forward. However this joy ultimately led to her death as, “When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease--of the joy that kills.” (Chopin 1) There is a strong use of imagery throughout the story mostly of vivid colors and descriptions surroundings. Even though a death had just occurred, the surroundings are lively and vivid depicting colors, springtime, and blue skies, “There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled one above the other in the west facing her window.” (Chopin 1) If it were meant to be a feeling of sorrow the writer was trying to inflict on readers, the scenery would have been dull and grey, depressing, decrepit, and dark.
Symbolism is used through the story to portray Mrs.
Mallard’s feeling of freedom. Rain is a symbol of rebirth and cleansing, a renewal. An excellent use of rain is present to portray just that, “The delicious breath of rain was in the air.” (Chopin 1) Another symbol used is found just before the previous quote is of springtime, new life and rejuvenation, “She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life.” (Chopin 1) personification of the trees also helps invoke the feeling of freedom to the reader.
Though all the elements point to freedom and rebirth, it is still ironic that Mrs. Mallard died in the way she did. She was so happy that she needed not to worry about her husband anymore, so happy that her heart could not take it, causing her own death in this twisted story of freedom and life. An overload of emotion can cause an opposing emotion to brew within and create a juxtaposition, causing both to overwhelm the holder. However these feelings will fade over time, and with time, all wounds are
healed.