Freedom in “The Story of an Hour” Mrs. Mallard’s overwhelming response of “free, free, free!” upon hearing of her husband’s death reflects the attitude of many nineteenth century women. During this time, highly restrictive gender roles forbade women to live as they saw fit. In “The Story of an Hour” Kate Chopin allows her audience to envision the moment that Mrs. Mallard is able to shed the bondage of marriage that was forced upon her. This was Mrs. Mallard’s chance to actually live life on her own terms. Not on the terms prescribed to her by her husban