The Storm (short story)

"The Storm" is a short story by the American writer Kate Chopin, written in 1898. It did not appear in print in Chopin's lifetime; it was published in 1969.

Plot summary

Bobinôt and his four-year-old son, Bibi, are at Friedheimer's store when a particularly violent storm emerges. The two decide to remain at the store until the storm passes. Bobinôt decides to buy a can of shrimps for his wife, Calixta, while the pair waits for the storm to abate.

Meanwhile, back at their house, Calixta is occupied with her sewing that, at first, she does not notice the ominous clouds or thunder. Finally, she notices that it is growing darker outside and decides to shut the windows and retrieve Bobinôt's clothes, which are hanging outside. Alcée, one of Calixta's former beaus, rides up on his horse and helps her remove the remaining clothes from the line.

The storm worsens and Calixta invites Alcée into her home until it abates. Alcée was hesitant to come in and stayed outside until it became apparent that the storm was not going to let up. Calixta gathers up the lengths of cotton sheet she had been sewing while Alcée takes a seat in the rocker. Calixta goes over to the window and observes the intensity of the storm and worries about her husband and son. Alcée attempts to comfort her and reminisces about the passion they once felt for each another. As the storm increases in intensity, so does the passion of the two lovers. Alcée brought out the passion and love they once had for one another. The lover's sexual encounter ends at the same time as the storm. Alcée rides off on his horse.

Bobinôt and Bibi return from the store and Calixta immediately embraces them. Bobinôt presents his gift of the can of shrimps to his wife and she remarks that they will feast that night. Meanwhile, Alcée writes a loving letter to his wife, Clarisse, and encourages her to stay in Biloxi as long as she needs. He notes that their wellbeing is more important than the separation anxiety that he endures. Clarisse is charmed by the letter and is happy in Biloxi because she feels free, as if she were a maiden again. Though she is devoted to her husband, Clarisse feels that she is able to forego intimacy with him for some time. The story ends with the pithy line, "So the storm passed and every one was happy."

Analysis

The Storm is a story of sexuality and real life. Chopin wrote of something that was not publicly discussed. The relationship between Calixta and Alcée brought out a spark of passion that was not present in their marriages. Calixta was scared of the storm but Alcée's calmness relaxed her physically. Emotionally it brought out her sexuality that was kept dormant from her younger years. When Alcée embraced her after lightning and thunder hit, it reminded her of the passion and love she once had for Alcée. It was as though her sexuality was driven by nature. The storm was brewing outside and leaving destruction in its path, like the bruise she put on her marriage by having the affair with Alcée.

The narrator describes Calixta as a worry-some wife but then it transforms into a description of her youthful beauty. The focus is on her vivacious body after Alcée not seeing her for five years and becomes entranced in it. Calixta's husband seemed not to look at her the same way Alcée did. He saw her as a real woman but she pretended that everything has changes especially after having a child. When the narrator said "The rain was over and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems," it symbolized that they both had new outlooks on their marriages. Calixta was able to take her affair and use it to her advantage by helping her remember what a sexual person she once was. The story ending with the quote "So the storm passed and every one was happy" symbolizes that Calixta and Alcée were happy to have the affair since it helped their marriages and both spouses would know nothing of the affair. The point of view is 3rd person omni.

Background

The Storm is a sequel to another short story Chopin wrote called "At The 'Cadian Ball." The story introduces the main characters of Bobinôt, Calixta, Alcée and Clarisse. It sets the scene for The Storm with an outline of the characters past encounters; including a previous affair between Alcée and Calixta.

External links

* [http://vava.essortment.com/stormbykatech_rswv.htm Criticism of "The Storm"]
* [http://wps.ablongman.com/long_longman_mylitlabdemo_1/0,9668,1606831-,00.html Story of "The Storm" with critical thinking questions]