name _____________________________________
English 10
“The Story of An Hour” by Kate Chopin
Response Sheet
Respond to the following questions as you read the story. Provide details and explanations in order to
earn full credit. 15 points.
1. Why do you suppose the author mentions Mrs. Mallard’s “heart trouble” at the beginning of the
story?
2. Describe Mrs. Mallard’s emotional state at this point in the story.
3. Make a prediction about how this story will end (no right or wrong answer – just make a
PLAUSIBLE prediction).
4. Would you like to change your prediction from question 3? If so, record your NEW prediction
here.
5. Would you like to change your prediction from question 4? This is your last chance to change
your original prediction before the end of the story! If so, record your NEW prediction here.
6. The setting of the story is VERY limited (a room, a front door, and a staircase). How does this
limitation play into the themes of the story? Explain in detail.
7. Make some assumptions about the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Mallard. Support your
ideas with details from the story.
8. What views of marriage does the story represent? The story was published in 1894; does the
story only represent attitudes on marriage in the 1800’s or might those attitudes still apply to
relationships today? Explain.
name _____________________________________
English 10
“The Story of An Hour” by Kate Chopin
Response Sheet
Remember that surprise endings are usually IRONIC. In an earlier lesson we defined irony as when a
word or phrase (or an action) means something other than its literal meaning. Verbal irony occurs
when a character says one thing but means another. Situational irony occurs when actions have an
effect that is opposite from what was intended. Keeping this in mind, respond to the next set of
questions.
9. Why are Mrs. Mallard’s relatives concerned about her hearing the news of her husband?
10. What is Mrs. Mallard’s initial reaction to hearing the news about her husband?
11. Why do you suppose she locks herself in her room?
12. What is Josephine afraid that Louise (Mrs. Mallard) will do? Why?
13. What do you think are Mrs. Mallard’s TRUE feelings about her husband’s death?
14. Why do you think she feels this way?
15. Share your thoughts about the end of the story. Comment on the doctors’ “diagnosis” at the
end.