In most short stories, the death of a loved one usually conveys sadness or evil to the plot of the story. For example, in John Steinback's Of Mice and Men, the story ended in the horrible tragic death of one of the protagonists, Lenny Small. Although his death was essential to the world because he was a threat to society, George, the man who killed him, loved him dearly and was devastated that he had to kill him with his own hands. However, in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour", the news of Mr. Mallard's death portrays quite the opposite of sadness to Mrs. Mallard. Instead, the main character, Mrs. Mallard, comes to a realization about her husband's death and becomes extremely happy that he is put to rest. The reason for her happiness is yet revealed in this short story as she gains something very important...