The short story describes the series of emotions Louise Mallard endures after hearing of the death of her husband Brantley, who was believed to have died in a railroad disaster. Mrs. Mallard suffers from heart problems; therefore, her sister attempts to inform her of the horrific news in a gentle way. Mrs. Mallard locks herself in her room to immediately mourn the loss of her husband. However, she begins to feel an unexpected sense of exhilaration. "Free! Body and soul free!" is what she believes is a benefit of his death, until she discovers her husband standing in the doorway of their house, alive. The shock of seeing her living husband proves too much for her heart and kills her.