Kate Chopin in "The Storm" arranges this story in a very dramatic sense. Adultery, the instantaneous crime of passion, the physical storm, and Calixta's initial lack of concern for her family caught in the storm are all dramatic examples. The use of imagery, symbolism, and raw emotion is astounding in this story.
All of Calixta's inhibitions go out the window when Alcee arrives. Initially, Calixta is reserved and distant, but she selfishly succumbs to her sexual desires for Alcee in the absence of her husband and son during a fierce storm. Alcee is overpowered with emotions (lust) when he holds Calixta close to his body, despite the fact that they are both married. Her "liquid blue eyes," "pomegranate red lips," "white breasts"and"white throat" send him on a wild arousal.
Calixta's lack of self reserve and succumbing to such desires knowing that she is a married woman is immoral.
Kate Chopin in 1894
Photoportrait of writer Kate Chopin
Writer Kate Chopin and her sons Frederick, George,...Her behavior is also very disrespectful toward her husband and her son. Alcee initially requested to remain outdoors on the gallery throughout the storm, though, that may not have been feasible; he could have stayed indoors during the storm without such tactless behavior.
The most astonishing moment to me is when Calixta's family comes home, they all have dinner laughing together, and she coolly and collectively pretends like nothing ever happened. Obviously, the secret of her transgressions on that sultry, stormy day will never be unearthed. But, will she and Bobinot really live happily ever like the end of the story suggests? The truth of the matter is; anything done in the dark will eventually come to light, including this affair.