Question

Why does josephine tell louise about her husband's death as calmly as possible?

a. josephine is afraid of showing her emotions.
b. richards told josephine to speak calmly.
c. josephine doesn't want to worsen louise's weak heart.
d. josephine doesn't want richards to overhear what she is saying.

Answer 1

Josephine tells Louise about her husband's death calmly to avoid worsening Louise's weak heart condition.

• The reason why Josephine tells Louise about her husband's death as calmly as possible is because Louise has a weak heart, and Josephine doesn't want to worsen her condition.
• This careful approach is described in 'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin, where it is stated, 'Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.'
• Therefore, the correct answer is c. Josephine doesn't want to worsen Louise's weak heart.