The Storm by Kate Chopin

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The storys backdrop is a storm that was about to pummel a small town. But the meat of the story is contained in the storm within the hearts of two lead characters a man and a woman. In order to be more specific, it must be made clear that they are both married but not to each other. Calixta was the wife of Bobinot and Alcee was the husband of Clarisse. Calixta and Alcee knew each other a long time ago but as Chopin had pointed out they were now considered strangers after each went their separate ways and with their own families.

But it seems that Calixta and Alcee could not wipe away the memories of those years gone by when both were attracted to each other. And now, when the storm was about to hit, Calixtas home was about to become like a garden and Alcee will come in like a snake tempting her and she will give in to that temptation but only until the storm is above them, when it is gone so will the storm within.

There are many critics who find no problem in describing what happened within Calixtas home and how she succumbed to temptation. They focused on the words used by the author and made comments regarding its daring and it was too advanced for her time (Ward, p.89).

Candace Ward, one of those who studied Chopin up close had the same verdict but just like many others she too find it difficult to explain without a shadow of doubt that indeed Calixta will continue with the affair. It is true that she gave in to her desire and invited Alcee in to his heart but it can also be said that it was a fleeting moment.

The author of this short story, Kate Chopin seems to have the same conclusion because at the end of the short piece she wrote that after the passing of the storm everyone was happy. On the other hand this can be interpreted to mean another thing and it is the happiness experienced by two adulterers who happen to make a connection because of the storm.

Thus, this happiness has different shades of meaning (Chopin, par.5). It is different from the point of view of Bobinot the husband of Calixta because he was happy that his family is safe. It is also different from the point of view of Alcee because after the storm had passed it has been clear to him that he needed to see Calixta once again and this helps explains his letter to his wife to extend her vacation for a month or so.

Calixtas happiness is more difficult to analyze. She is happy for her husband and childs safe return after the storm. She is happy being reacquainted with Alcee. But she could also be happy that the storm has ended so that Alcee could now go away. Now, whether she wanted Alcee back or not is something not easy to determine. One thing is clear; Alcee will try to find another way back to her heart.

Conclusion

When the storm clouds gathered and the dark skies warned of imminent danger, people with wisdom tried to stay indoors. But Alcee ventured into the home of his former lover Calixta. And when she unwittingly allowed her to come into her abode she was not fully aware of what can happen next.

Alcee tempted her by holding her close and provided protection when her husband was away. Calixta gave in like Eve who took a bite from the forbidden fruit. But it was Alcee who was ensnared, Calixta seems to forget what happened after the storm and everyone was happy. Alcee on the other hand was happy for another reason for he knew that he has a chance to sneak back into the heart of Calixta.

Works Cited

Chopin, Kate. The Storm.. Web.

Ward, Candace. Great Short Stories by American Women. New York: Dover Publications, 1996.

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The Storm by Kate Chopin

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