What is the joy of Mrs Mallard?

The joy of Mrs. Mallard in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" emerges from her sudden realization of personal freedom following the news of her husband's death. Initially grief-stricken, she soon experiences an overwhelming sense of liberation as she contemplates a life without the constraints of marriage. This profound joy symbolizes her desire for independence and self-identity, revealing the conflict between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. Ultimately, her brief taste of freedom underscores the tragic irony of her situation when her husband unexpectedly returns.