Question

Mrs. Mallard’s initial reaction to her husband’s death is grief. What is the first indication to the reader that Mrs. Mallard has a change of heart about her husband’s death?

Answer 1

She goes to her room and wants to be left alone. Just when the reader thinks that she will further indulge in her grief, she gazes through the window and whispers "Free, free, free!"

It is hard to say that Mrs. Mallard is heartless, or that she didn't love her husband at all, or that he had treated her badly. None of this is true, as far as the reader can see in this short story. The point is deeper than that. Mrs. Mallard feels freedom from marital restraints for the first time. This is what she enjoys so much. This is the first thing that comes to her mind the moment she is no longer surrounded with other people. When no one's watching her, she can give way to her real feelings - not because she is a hypocrite, but because it is hard if not impossible to stay true to oneself (and open about it) in a small community.

Answer 2

The correct answer is; she whispers, "free, free, free!"