Both stories show that the common view of marriage included an authoritative husband exercising control over their spouse, thus leaving their wives in a prisoner-like role or a slave. This rather traditional view of marriage viewed women as obedient subordinates who dared not default for fear of being ridiculed or punished. We can see this stereotype of the “helpless wife” in “The Story of an Hour” when Mrs. Mallard, who, after overcoming the initial shock of her husband's death, began to say “Free! Free body and soul!” (Chopin). This shows that, after years of being under her husband's control, Mrs. Mallard was finally able to live as she saw fit, without having to listen to anyone. However, this freedom is short-lived as Mr. Mallard returns home, obviously not deceased. The shock of having her newfound freedom taken away so quickly led Mrs. Mallard to die of what was presumably a heart attack, erroneously described by doctors as “of the joy that kills” (Chopin). Likewise, “The Yellow Wallpaper” depicts a similar marital dynamic where the husband is in power (which is explored in detail in the answer to the first question). John, the narrator's wife, does