"The storm" by Kate Chopin

Essay by john doeCollege, UndergraduateA+, January 1996

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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...