Analysis of “The Storm” by Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin's “The Storm" presents us with a story focused on two main characters, Calixta andAlcee and their brief love affair. The story is set in the nineteenth century at Friedheimer’s storein Louisiana. The story starts with the introduction of two individuals Bobinot and his young sonBibi. Being the breadwinner of the family, Bobinot is expected to purchase goods for thehousehold. They are trapped in the middle of a storm and therefore decide to take shelter at thestore.Calixta, wife of Bobinot is alone at home and being a housewife, attends the household chores.In this story, the writer Kate Chopin has used the word "storm" in its symbolic meaning. TheStorm can be interpreted as a strong and intense sexual desire and passion. It also symbolizes thenatural tendency of the human beings towards sexual passion. Calixta appears to be restless,unsatisfied and lacks a sense of control and power in her marital life. When the storm arrives,Calixta is sewing a cotton sheet and seems to be deeply involved in other household tasks.While Calixta is airing out the clothes on the porch, Alcee enters the yard seeking shelter fromthe coming storm. Calixta and Alcee, both married had an affair long before the story took place.When Alcee approaches Calixta asking for shelter, Calixta was deeply focused in her householdchores. The writer describes Calixta's suppressed emotions and passions for Alcee which werenow aroused after the encounter between both of them. Constrained by the boundaries set by her marital status, Calixta had not seen Alcee very often after her marriage and never alone. Sheallows him inside and talks excitedly about the stuff going on at her place and also talks abouther preparation for the storm helping to demonstrate the arousing sexual tension that she isfeeling while Alcee is around.The storm outside continues its intensity reflecting the arousing sexual desire inside between both of the characters. Calixta finds herself being unsettled as the elements outside in the storm.They both move to a window to watch the storm, and when lightning strikes nearby, Calixtastaggers backward into Alcee's arms. This moment can be termed as the climax of the story when both of the individuals embrace each other letting out their inner passions and desires. Chopinuses the image of the "strike of the lightning" to represent this strong passion. At that moment,she retreats and immediately feels concerned about her son signifying the mixed feelings that