“Free, free, free!” (Chopin). These were the surprising words of Mrs. Mallard shortly after hearing of her husband’s unexpected death. The book, The Story of an Hour, written by Kate Chopin, tells the story of Mrs. Mallard first hearing the news of her husband’s alleged death and how she reacts to the news. The central theme of this story is forbidden emotions or feelings that aren’t socially accepted. This theme is represented throughout the book through Mrs. Mallard. When Mrs. Mallard’s sister, Josephine, told Mrs. Mallard the devastating news, Mrs. Mallard reacted as any normal person would. She was distressed and bewildered. But as she reflected on the situation, she realized her feelings toward this tragedy were completely changing. Because