Here's why this aligns with the story's themes:
* The protagonist, Louise Mallard, is initially expected to grieve her husband's death. However, she experiences a profound emotional shift, realizing a sense of newfound freedom and possibility. This highlights the societal expectations of women in mourning, and how these expectations often stifle individual expression.
* The story critiques the societal norm of women being defined solely through their relationships with men. Louise's joy at her husband's death, though shocking to the reader, reveals a deeper truth about her own identity and desires. This challenges the patriarchal structure of the time where women's roles were primarily confined to wife and mother.
* The story touches upon the themes of self-discovery and the need for individual agency. Louise's brief moment of liberation, despite its tragic end, illustrates the importance of recognizing and valuing the inner lives and desires of women.
While the story doesn't explicitly address other social issues, its focus on the constraints placed upon women within marriage and societal expectations makes it a powerful reflection of its time.