Research marriage law in the 1890s and compare this to contemporary marriage laws. How has the institution of marriage changed in the last one-hundred years?

Discuss Mrs. Mallard as a sympathetic character or as a cruel and selfish character. How might your own gender, age, class or ethnicity influence your response?

Do you think Chopin's critique of the institution of marriage, as expressed by Louise, is applicable today?

Research the suffrage movement of the late nineteenth century. How do Louise's reflections of her situation in society reflect the concerns of this movement? Which concerns are still issues today?