In Kate Chopin's short story 'The Storm,' the narrative
surrounds the brief affair of two individuals, Calixta and Alcee.
Many people don't see the story as a condemnation of
infidelity, but rather as an act of human sexuality. This essay
argues that 'The Storm' may be interpreted as a specific act
of sexuality and passion joined with a condemnation of its
repression by society. If one is to attempt to interpret 'The
Storm,' it becomes necessary to examine the conditions of
the surroundings.
The title of 'The Storm,' with its sexual energy and
passion, is of course critical to any interpretation of the
narrative. The title refers to nature, so the storm can
therefore he seen as symbolic of sexuality and passion. And
the image of the storm will be returned to again and again
throughout the story.
At the beginning of the story Bobinot and his young son,
Bibi decide to wait out a rapidly approaching storm at the
store. Bobinot's wife, Calixta, is home alone, tending to the
household chores. Calixta's is not aware of the storm
approaching, although she is married and has a child, she is
unaware of the sexuality and passion within her.
As Calixta is gathering up the laundry, Alcee Laballiere
enters the yard, seeking shelter from the coming storm. My
first impression of Alcee is that he is pretty well off in the
world. Although I see Bobinot as a simple man. There is a
mutual attraction between Calixta and Alcee, and this
attraction is not new. Calixta has not seen Alcee very often
since her marriage, and never alone. The attraction between
Calixta and Alcee is only briefly explored. With Alcee's arrival
comes the beginning of the rain, and he asks to wait out the...