“A Jury of Her Peers” / “The Story an Hour”

While both Minnie and Louise had to do what their husband’s wanted, it seemed that there was no unkindness in the Mallard’s relationship.  Mr. Wright was a “hard” man.  The home in which Minnie lived was austere and not cheerful.  The cruel killing of the one thing that brought pleasure to Minnie caused her to act against her husband.  Minnie was forced to live in an unhappy life.  Louise was not particularly, unhappy but just did not like marching to her husband’s drummer rather than her own.

When Louise thought her husband was dead she grieved briefly then felt free, alive and vibrant.  She was already thinking about her future without him in a positive way.  After Minnie’s husband was dead, she just sat down and acted like she didn’t know what to do.  Rather than grieving she was confused and had no thoughts of how her future might be without her oppressor.

Minnie was described as a formerly beautiful young woman who had become plain and worn.  Louise was described as young and fair.  Minnie took action.  Louise was affected by the actions of others (mistakenly told her husband was dead then saw that he was still alive).