After her realization of epic proportions, Louise was in a state of euphoria. However, that soon ended when she spotted her husband at the door. When they finally got Louise out of her room, she walked down the stairs with “a feverish triumph in her eyes, and she carried herself unwittingly like a goddess of Victory” (170). This triumph is due to her ability to be herself now; she feels like she won at life. The goddess of Victory is a reference to Greek mythology. The goddess Nike was thought to personify victory and is often portrayed “hovering with outspread wings over the victor in a competition; for her functions referred to success not only in war but in all other undertakings” (The Editors). Chopin’s reference to the goddess emphasizes
