Problem: What is the nature of Mrs. Mallard's "heart trouble?" The setting of the story is very limited; it is confined largely to a room, a staircase, and a front door. How does this limitation help to express the themes of the story? What kind of relationships do the Mallards have? Is Brently Mallard unkind to Louise Mallard, or is there some other reason for her saying "free, free, free!" when she hears of his death? "When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease-of joy that kills." In what ways is this an ironic statement?