Name___________________________
Period________
“The Story of an Hour”
Text Questions
Text Dependent Question
On p. 1, the author states that “…Mrs. Mallard was
afflicted with a heart trouble.”
What does the word “afflicted” mean based on
context?
On p. 1, in paragraph 2, Josephine and Richards tell
Mrs. Mallard the news. Why do they break it to her so
gently? What do you think they fear based on your
reading?
On p. 1, paragraph 3, underline the words that
describe Mrs. Mallard’s initial reaction. Now, put this
description into your own words.
On p. 1, paragraph 5, Mrs. Mallard is in her room
looking out the window. Underline the words that are
used to describe the scene she sees. How are these
descriptive words at odds with what just happened?
On p. 1, paragraph 9, how is Mrs. Mallard feeling?
Make a prediction- what do you think is “coming to
her?”
Use your clues from the above question to help you.
On p. 1, paragraph 10, we see what is coming to her
when she says, “free, free, free!” What do you think
she means by this?
Evidence Based Answers
On p. 2, paragraph 11, why does the author choose the
phrase “monstrous joy” to describe how Mrs. Mallard
is feeling.
On p. 2, paragraph 12: Put this paragraph into your
own words.
On p. 2, paragraph 13, she admits to love, but then
says it does not count “…in the face of this possession
of self assertion which she suddenly recognized as the
strongest impulse of her being!” According to this
passage, what is more important than love?
On p. 2, paragraph 14, “Free! Body and soul free!” Why
does she keep whispering this?
On p. 2, paragraph 16, look at the phrase “..life might
be long.” Why does the author choose to repeat it?
What does it mean each time?
On p. 2, paragraph 17, “…she carried herself
unwittingly like a goddess of Victory.” What does the
narrator mean by this? Why would the author choose
this description?
On p. 2, paragraph 18, who comes home? And what is
everyone’s reaction?
On p. 2, paragraph 19, the story ends with the line
“…of the joy that kills.” What does this mean? Why did
she die?