How are the author's values reflected in the story "The Story of An Hour"?

Kate Chopin was an advocate for women's liberation from Victorian restrictions. Her narrative of "The Story of an Hour" exemplifies the stultifying impact of biological determinism, social conditioning, and Victorian society, in which a wife's separate legal existence (property and other rights) does not exist.
With the death of her husband, feminine autonomy is returned to Louise Mallard. When she hears the terrible news of the railroad accident, Mrs. Mallard cries because she does love her husband. However, she also retreats to her room where she can safely digest the realization that she now can reclaim her property and her freedom. This understanding is why she repeatedly whispers, "Free! Body and soul free!" and "drinks in the elixir of life."
However, when Brently Mallard unexpectedly returns, Mrs. Mallard falls dead from "a joy that kills." The joyful news that her husband is alive kills her as she realizes that her domestic subjugation has returned. Having her one hour of freedom and her hopes for future personal liberties and property—her autonomy—suddenly taken from her kills the spirit of Mrs. Mallard.