* Conflicted: She experiences a range of emotions, from grief to a sense of liberation.
* Independent: She begins to see herself outside the constraints of her marriage, hinting at a desire for independence.
* Introspective: She spends time in her room, pondering her life and her future.
* Subdued: She is initially presented as a quiet and submissive wife, but this facade begins to crack.
* Ambiguous: Her feelings and motivations are not always clear, leaving the reader to interpret her true nature.
Ultimately, the best adjective to describe Mrs. Mallard depends on your interpretation of the story and the focus you place on different aspects of her character.