The storm 2

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In the short story, "The Storm," Kate Chopin uses the setting to illuminate the theme. The development of the storm parallels the development of the love affair between Calixta and Alcee. Like a storm, which is a passing occurrence, so is the love affair between Calixta and Alcee. Just as the storm suddenly develops, Alcee suddenly pursues Calixta. Furthermore, the affair ends as abruptly as the storm ends.

The story is divided into five sections. Each section notes the advancement of the storm's state as well as the unfolding of the affair. Section one begins with the foreboding sounds of the advancing storm and we have the husband, Bobinot, and son, Bibi, away from their home and Calixta. The storm's intensity is foreshadowed. Bobinot explains to his son that something threatening is approaching. He "called the child's attention to certain sombre clouds that were rolling with sinister intention from the west, accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar [p146]."

What the two of them do not know is that not only is a physical storm looming but also a disturbance to their family.

In the beginning of section two, it becomes dark and rain begins to fall and here also enters Alcee to Calixta's house. Alcee intended on just staying outside and wait for the rain to let up, but the storm grew more violent causing Alcee to go in doors. As the storm grew more bold so did Alcee's intentions. At the middle of this section we have the apex of the storm and we also have the union of Calixta and Alcee. The passion between the two of them reaches a maximal level. At the end of the section the storm is over and Alcee is riding away.

In section three the storm is over, but we...