"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin is a short story that explores the theme of freedom and the consequences of societal expectations on women in the late 19th century.  The story begins with Mrs. Louise Mallard receiving the news of her husband's death in a train accident. Initially, she reacts with grief, but as she processes the information, she begins to feel a sense of liberation. 
 
This product contains higher-level thinking questions which require students to identify the strategies the author uses to convey her message. It also contains a chart asking students to determine how selected quotes contribute to the theme and an activity which expects students to find quotes which exemplify character traits. Answers are provided for all activities.