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In “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin, what has happened to Mrs. Mallard’s husband before the story begins?

a)He has been detained on a business trip.

b)He is on a list of those killed in combat.

c)He has abandoned her.

d)He is on a list of those killed in a railroad accident.

Verified Answer :

rubyhazlett1

The correct answer should be he is on a list of those killed in a railroad accident.

mcarc09

Answer:

Mr. Mallard is d) on a list of those killed in a railroad accident.

Explanation:

"The Story of an Hour" is a short story by author Kate Chopin. A terrible misunderstanding leads to the death of the main character, Mrs. Mallard. She has a heart condition that may kill her if she is scared or surprised. Thus, her own sister and a friend try to break a piece of bad news to her in the most careful way.

Richard, the friend, has found out through a newspaper that Brently Mallard, Mrs. Mallard's husband, has been killed in a railroad accident:

It was he who had been in the newspaper office when intelligence of the railroad disaster was received, with Brently Mallard's name leading the list of "killed."

After learning about his death, Mrs. Mallard feels deeply sad for a moment, but then realizes she is now free. She can do whatever she wants without worrying about justifying herself to anyone. However, Mr. Mallard is very much alive. He comes home, which is a surprise to everyone. Mrs. Mallard's heart can't take the immense disappointment of no longer being free, and she dies.

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