Essay/Term paper: Analyzing "the storm."

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Kate Chopin

The setting in this story creates the perfect environment for an

adulterous affair. In Kate Chopin's "The Storm", Chopin not only

creates the perfect setting but also uses the setting as a symbol of the

affair. Most likely occurring in the late 1800's and taking place in

the deep South, the story gives an account of an adulterous affair

between Calixta, wife to Bobinot and mother to four year old Bibi, and

Alcee, husband to Clarisse, during a terrible rain storm. The presence

of the storm is not merely coincidental. It is the driving force behind

the story and the affair. As the storm begins, climaxes and ends so

does the affair and the story.

From the opening we see that Chopin intends to use the storm to move the

story forward. The story begins with Bobinot and Bibi inside the local

store. As they attempt to leave they notice storm clouds approaching the

town. Deciding to wait out the storm, they remain inside. Meanwhile,

Calixta is at home sewing and unaware of the storm. Soon realizing the

storm is approaching, she begins frantically running about the house

closing windows and doors and retrieving clothes left on the porch.

Seeking shelter from the rain, Alcee approaches as Calixta steps on to

her front porch. Chopin writes, "As she stepped outside, Alcee

Laballiere rode in at the gate" (96). By providing a terrible storm

Chopin creates an ingenious setting for this chance meeting. Chopin's

intentions become even more apparent immediately after Alcee's

introduction. To propel the story forward Chopin uses the storm to

force Alcee inside Calixta's home. The story reads: "He expressed an

intention to remain outside, but it was soon apparent that he might as

well have been out in the open: the water beat in upon the boards in

driving sheets, and he went inside, closing the door after him" (Chopin

96). Author and critic Barbara Ewell wrote, "Chopin adroitly matches

the storm's irresistible development with the effects of passion on the

two . . . lovers" (171). It is clear at this point that Chopin wants to

bring these two together and is using the stormy setting to accomplish

this goal. After all, the meeting between Calixta and Alcee is

certainly less valid if the storm isn't present to bring it about.

As it climaxes the storm continues to move the story but also begins to

symbolize the affair between Calixta and Alcee. Concerned about Bobinot

and Bibi, Calixta peers out of her window to investigate just as a bolt

of lightning strikes a nearby tree. Chopin again uses the storm to

direct the action. Frightened by the bolt, "Calixta put her hands to

her eyes, and with a cry, staggered backward" and "Alcee's arms

encircled her." (Chopin 97). Chopin takes advantage of the storm and

uses it to literally push Calixta into Alcee's arms. The affair reaches

its climax shortly after their first embrace. As they finally give way

to their passion for one another, Chopin changes how she uses the

storm. While still using it to provoke and lead the story she also uses

the storm to symbolize and confirm the romance. One critic noted that

"The course of their passion parallels that of the storm . . . " (Skaggs

61). As the storm reaches it's climax Chopin refers to the lovers:

"They did not heed the crashing torrents and the roar of the elements

made her laugh as she lay in his arms" (97). By describing the storm

during the climax between Calixta and Alcee, Chopin is implying that

their passion equals the intensity of the storm. The storm continues to

lead them but also symbolizes the passion they share.

The storm begins to pass as the story nears its end, taking with it

Alcee and the affair. The story resumes with Calixta and Alcee enjoying

their last few moments together. Chopin continues her effort to allow

the storm to dictate the sequence of events. To convey the status of

the affair she again refers to the storm. By stating, "The rain was

over" Chopin ends the sexual affair between Calixta and Alcee (Chopin

98). This is also another example of Chopin using the storm to symbolize

the affair between the main characters. As the storm ends and Alcee

leaves, we see the return of Bobinot and Bibi. Calixta, more than

grateful to see the two, greets them well and they all sit down to

supper. Alcee writes his wife, Clarrise, who is vacationing and

lovingly tells her that he is doing well and to not hurry back.

Clarrise returns his letter explaining that she is pleased to hear this

and that she will indeed stay longer. It is the last sentence in the

story that makes the final comparison to the storm. "So the storm

passed and everyone was happy" (Chopin 99). In one sentence Chopin ends

the storm, the affair, and the story. This seems to confirm that Chopin

intended to align the sequence of events with the development of the

storm. It is also an excellent example of the symbolism used in the

story. The denotation of the last sentence is that the characters are

happy at the passage of the storm. However, the connotation for Calixta

and Alcee is much deeper, implying that their happiness is derived from

the passion they shared during the storm.

And so the story ends with everyone happy and satisfied. The storm is

an effective setting and a more than adequate symbol. From bringing the

lovers together, to describing their sexual climax and then quietly and

stylishly ending the affair. It is the description of the storm that

creates the foundation and intensity of the interlude between Calixta

and Alcee. Carrying it from beginning, climax and end, the storm is

what makes it all possible.