Question

In "The Story of an Hour," Kate Chopin suggests that marriage can be oppressive for women. Which line in these excerpts from the story supports that suggestion?
a.)Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.
b.)The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body
c.)There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature
d.)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.

Answer 1

C.
She's talking about the husband's will overriding that of the wife.

Answer 2

The correct answer is C.

Mrs. Mallard feels relieved that her husband has died. Even though she had felt love for her and he had treated her well, she felt oppresed by him. She feels men always have a power over their wives, and do no allow them to be their own person.

Now that her husband has died, she feels there will be no will bending hers and she will be finally free to do as likes.