The story of “The Storm” by Kate Chopin is about two main characters Alcee and Calixta who initially used to be attracted to each other but later got married to different individuals. The writer used a lot of symbolism to develop the theme of the story. The storm in itself is a symbol that was used to describe the great affair between Calixta and Alcee. It is relative to the affair and the consequences of their sexual encounter. Chopin uses the symbol of color white like white throat, neck, and breasts to show purity and innocence. The affection of Calixta was likened to a white flame. It is known that the white flame is the most powerful and hottest section of a flame. Therefore, Chopin used it to describe the superior passion that created emotions which could not be stopped by anyone. Besides, color white was also used as a symbol of her Spanish blood which seemed mixed and could allow expression of sexuality regardless of the white norms.
After the meeting of Calixta and Alcee, the lady stopped showing signs of exhaustion and frustration and instead began to be perturbed about Bobinot and Bibi out in the storm. Alcee snatched the braided jacket of Bibi that was about to be carried away by draught. This occurrence displays how Alcee would do anything amidst the storm to obtain whatever he wanted and desired. It was because of the storm that Bobinot failed to return home and also the reason why Alcee stopped for shelter. The storm in the form of a gushing wind created a charged energy that catalyzed the emotions between Calixta and Alcee. The storm produced a milieu which collaborated with elements of wind and rain to change the scene and their surroundings. The two characters found each other alone after being separated for five years. This setting which was filled with charged air immediately rekindled their old passion that was likened to a strike of lightning. Unable to withstand the turbulent environment, Calixta and Alcee yielded to their old feelings.
Chopin used a white flame to demonstrate the genuine passion of Calixta that was able to penetrate the sensuous nature of Alcee that no one had ever found. After the storm died, a smile could be seen in Alsee’s face as he rides away and I quote”The rain was over; the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems. Calixta, on the gallery, Watched Alcee ride away. He turned and smiled at her with a beaming face...” (Chopin 553). This quote shows that Calixta returned home satisfactorily and Alcee was also contented as he drafted a loving letter to his wife seeking to prolong his stay with old friends. Both Calixta and Alcee seemed to be satisfied and happier after they parted. Chopin used this situation to illustrate the theme of liberty that is essential for a happy marriage.
The setting of “The Storm” is a village in the coastal part of Louisiana and more prominently in Bobinot and Calixta’s homes. Chopin described the house as small with the monumental white bed. This bed was so significant because there is where the two characters eventually passed the storm. Also, the place, the time, and the circumstances that pertain to the setting of the story depict the identity of the characters in the community. Although Calixta is married with children, she ended up accommodating her former boyfriend in her house who she had not set her eyes on since she got married. Calixta’s house became a place of reunion where the two lovers fulfilled their sexual desires and intimacy as the huge storm that came over the town kept everyone away. The storm was purposed to reveal the hidden aspects of these two characters. It is disclosed that Calixta was lonely in her marriage and so unfulfilled that few touches from the former boyfriend immediately lead to the sexual act. Despite Alcee loving Calixta in the past, he never got an opportunity to be intimate. It was shocking that only after marriage is when they got intimate.
Another critical aspect of the setting is the time. The story took place in nineteen century at Louisiana where there existed social differences among the French descendants. Calixta and Bobinot were the descendants of French-Americans, and they spoke like Acadians. They were regarded as inferior to the descendants of the original French settlers called the Creoles. Alcee belongs to the Creoles, and he spoke clear English and seemed to come from a higher class than Calixta and her family. Therefore, the time and pace of the setting showed the differences among the inhabitants of that region. The variance could be noticed in the way they speak, and it served to reveal their lineage and identity in the society. Also, the huge bed that was in a small house under a massive storm gave the two main characters a chance to be alone and fulfill their long overdue inner desires at the right time and in the right place.
The exposition of the story has revealed the symbolism and setting were very significant in developing and enhancing the theme.
Works Cited
Chopin, Kate, and Barbara H. Solomon. The Awakening, and Selected Stories of Kate Chopin. New American Library, 2012.
