This story is very much in keeping with the principles of realism. first, the story is about a common, ordinary married woman. Typical of nearly all women of this time, Mrs. Mallard is simply an extension of her husband rather than an equal partner. She has loved her husband at times, and he has never been intentionally cruel to her; however, she has not had the freedom to choose since she's been married (and quite likely even before that). Her story is a common one.