Mrs. Mallard:
* Societal expectations: She is expected to be a devoted wife, even though her marriage lacks emotional fulfillment. The news of her husband's death initially brings grief, but ultimately, she feels a sense of liberation and joy.
* Yearning for something more: She longs for independence, self-expression, and a life outside the constraints of her marriage. The "something" that she desires remains undefined, but it signifies freedom and personal growth.
Mrs. Potter:
* Societal expectations: She is expected to be a dutiful wife and homemaker. Her life feels routine and unstimulating, leading to a sense of emotional emptiness.
* Yearning for something more: She craves creativity and purpose. Her passion for gardening and her desire for a different life are evident in her interaction with the traveling tinker.
Similarities:
* Feeling trapped: Both women feel trapped by the expectations and limitations placed upon them by society and their circumstances.
* Yearning for freedom: They yearn for a sense of agency and the ability to express themselves authentically.
* Limited outlets: Their societal roles provide them with limited outlets for personal fulfillment.
* Searching for something more: They both engage in actions, albeit fleeting or symbolic, that suggest a desire for something beyond their current lives.
It's important to note that the stories explore these themes differently:
* Mrs. Mallard's story is more about the psychological impact of societal expectations and the longing for personal freedom. Her story ends tragically, suggesting the consequences of societal pressure and the difficulty of breaking free.
* Mrs. Potter's story explores the yearning for creativity and purpose within the confines of domestic life. Her interaction with the tinker, though ultimately fleeting, suggests a yearning for something different and a brief escape from her everyday routine.
While their situations and approaches differ, both stories demonstrate the struggles faced by women who are confined by societal expectations and their desire to break free, even if only in their minds.