The writer explains her unusual reaction by saying “She did not hear the story as many women have heard the same, with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance” This explanation introduces the codes of behavior expected of women upon hearing death news in the 19th century. Women are expected to be paralyzed unable to give any reaction at first. They are expected to be shocked and unable to comprehend the significance of the situation. However, unlike the common behavior, Louise cries suddenly which indicates that she is not a woman of the accepted norms of the society.