Question

15- she arose at length and opened the door to her sisters importunities. there was a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of victory. she clasped her sisters waist, and together they descended the stairs. richards stood waiting for them at the bottom.
16- someone was opening the front door with a latchkey. it was brently mallard who entered, a little travel - stained, composedly carrying his grip - sack and umbrella. he had been far from the scene of the accident, and did not even know there had been one. he stood amazed at josephines piercing cry; at richards quick motion to screen him from the view of his wife.
17- but richards was too late.
18- when the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease -- of the joy that kills.
which of the following describes a theme of \the story of an hour\?
women in the 1800s were eager to be free from a restrictive lifestyle.
men and women in the 1800s were treated equally in western society.
marriage in the 1800s was the only way to have true happiness.

Explanation:

The text shows Mrs. Mallard’s "feverish triumph" at the thought of freedom after her husband’s supposed death, only to die from shock when he returns—highlighting her desire to escape restrictive marital norms of the era. The other options contradict the story: gender equality and marriage as the sole source of happiness are not supported by her reaction to freedom and subsequent death.

Answer:

Women in the 1800s were eager to be free from a restrictive lifestyle.