Mallard remains in an unwanted marriage portrays self-sacrifice. .
Chopin also demonstrates symbolism in the first sentence of the story, "Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble" (106). Jennifer Hicks, literary critic, writes that "Chopin is engaging in some heavy handed irony." The heart is traditionally the symbol of an individual's emotional core. Ironic symbolism is illustrated by showing that her physical heart problems symbolize her emotional heart problems as they relate to a bad marriage. Jamil writes about Mrs. Mallard's heart, stating, "Mrs. Mallard's heart ailment appears to be, then, a result of the psychological burden of allowing her husband's powerful will to smother and silence her own will" (216). Mrs. Mallard's self-sacrifice is clear; she chooses to sacrifice her health and remain in an unloving marriage. A marriage between a man and a woman are the essential foundation of the family and the "heart" of any society; therefore, Mrs. Mallard's heart troubles represent the decline of marriage in the late nineteenth century. .
Further illustrating symbolism, Chopin writes about an open window in this passage, "No; she was drinking in a very elixir of life through that open window" (108). Literary critic, Joseph Rosenblum, states "the open window in which Louise looks through is a symbol of freedom." She was trapped in darkness, but the open window brought her a new sense of freedom and provided a clear view into her bright future, which is now unobstructed by the demands of another person. In other words, the open window is providing her with life itself. When Ms. Mallard looks away from the window, she quickly loses her freedom and her outlook is dismal. Rosenblum also suggests that "the cloistered, confining house is a symbol of domesticity." The house she lives in is dull and gray, and while the house has its comforts, it does not satisfy Mrs.