Topic > The women in A Respectable Woman And The... by Kate Chopin

Both Mrs. Mallard and Mrs. Baroda thirst for freedom, but in different ways. Mrs. Mallard wants the freedom to figure out who she is. She doesn't want to live under the captivity of a man. He whispers: “Free! Soul and body free” (Chopin 1). Although she shows some grief over her husband's death, she comes to the realization of her newfound freedom. This situation causes Chopin to reveal her name and start calling her Louise, which means that she is no longer in the shadow of a man, but is free. Mrs. Baroda realizes that she also wants freedom. He is tempted to touch Gouvernail affectionately. This shows that she would like the freedom to admire any man she wants. The two women are completely opposite in how they look at freedom. Louise wanted time for herself, while Mrs. Baroda wants freedom and love with another man who doesn't ask much of her. Women's outlook on life is also not very similar. It is clearly shown that Mrs. Baroda is a romantic and respectful woman, meaning she will do anything to please the man she loves and cares about his well-being. Louise seems to be the complete opposite of Mrs. Baroda. She is more realistic and looks forward to living alone and sees her marriage as a trap while still saying it is