Question

Read the passage. From “The Story of an Hour” She could see in the open square before her house the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares. The notes of a distant song which someone was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves. Considering the news Mrs. Mallard has just received, what is ironic about the details she notices through her window? A death has just occurred yet she sees signs of new life. She has been weeping yet she feels that it is about to rain. She closes her door yet she hears birds and a person singing. She is inside her house yet she can look at the tops of the trees.

Answer 1

The correct answer is; a death has just occurred yet she sees signs of new life.

Answer 2

 A death has just occurred yet she sees signs of new life. 

One would expect a much darker scene to set the tone for Mrs. Mallard's grief. However, instead of sorrow, Mrs. Mallard sees her chance for a new life, one free from her husband's. The new life is hers. A life where she gets to make the decisions and choose what she wants without having to think of another person.