The Storm

 The Storm
Student: Denver Ford
Teacher: MRS. J. Mignano-Brady
Date: November 13, 2012


    ‘The Storm’ written by author Kate Chopin is a brilliantly developed narrative, consisting of an interesting begging rising to a somewhat expected and yearned for climax and a good ending. The story line is one that is easily followed by the reader. Consequently this story is an excellent sample piece from the Literary Period of realism as the narration is dissolved in replication of the true nature of mankind and the true nature of reality. Not only does Chopin through her narration provide an exceptional mind’s eye view of the physical imagery used in the story, she also opens a door into the emotions of the characters, the lustful thinking, the desire and the fears. Moreover in some cases the physical imagery invokes an emotional response from the characters which in turn is clearly conveyed to the reader.
    ‘She had not seen him very often since her marriage, and never alone.’ The Storm scene 2. Insights the reader to develop a suspicion of the emotional connection and desires between the characters, Calixta and Alcee, as they are seemingly uncomfortable with being alone in the same physical location as they have not been since Calixta got marry. This however is unavoidable as Alcee is forced to take refuge at Calixta's home during the passing of a storm.                        “Her blue eyes still retained their melting quality; and her yellow hair, disheveled by wind and rain, kinked more stubbornly than ever about her ears and temples” The Storm scene 2. This description is a description of what Alcee was attracted to and still attracted to and it conveys to the reader that lust that was still present even though his former lover had gotten married, this expresses the literary theme of desire.                      
  “The contact of her warm palpitating body when he had unthinkingly drawn her into his arms had aroused all the old-time infatuation and desire for her flesh.” The Storm scene 2 pg 3 this line supports the connection between the past infatuation, and the still present lust and gives a glimpse into the climax of the story.  The climax of the story was they satisfied their desire by having sex, thus fulfilling the themes of adultery and also previously mentioned theme of desire.
         This storm is a metaphor, because the actions did play out like the actions of the passing storm in the short story.  Deep down both knew the dangers of lust may possibly be too overpowering and thus cause the breaking down of boundaries that were dictated by society and in a sense moral code set by the act of marriage. This is analogous to the real storm having the power of overpowering the foundations of buildings, and objects that were in its way. Additionally just like the real storm had hit the town, so did adultery and desire hit both the former lovers causing them to break down the laws of monogamy, which in this time period was a stern product of marriage. Furthermore a storm usually has an eye, within which just like a bubble the conditions are calm and the effects of the outer bands of the storm for a while desists in this bubble, so did the effects of what they were doing desist during their moment of  fulfillment of desire. Lastly  just like the storm passed and life goes on  for the affected families after the damage was done, so does life go on after the fulfillment of what can be viewed to some in this era as wrongful desire. Individuals often develop the mentality of picking up the pieces after the storm thus hiding the fact that a storm had passed, both in the literal and  also the metaphorical sense portrayed in the story. This is depicted in the narration that follows. “Calixta acted like everything was normal when her husband and son came home. “"Oh, Bobinôt! You back! My! but I was uneasy. W'ere you been during the rain? An' Bibi? he ain't wet? he ain't hurt?" She had clasped Bibi and was kissing him effusively. Bobinôt's explanations and apologies which he had been composing all along the way, died on his lips as Calixta felt him to see if he were dry, and seemed to express nothing but satisfaction at their safe return.” The Storm scene 3.
      It must be mentioned that this story wasn’t published until years after it was written. In the era this was written it was unthinkable of married women to have affairs, for women to embrace their sexuality and seek sexual conquests and satisfaction. This body of thought  that Kate Chopin tried to express, was thought to have the effects of changing the mindset of the females living in the time period, hence this body of thought was suppressed hence the none publication of the story. Compared to today’s females in society, things are very different and in some case things same. Females have more rights in today’s society, and are freer in the expressions of their thoughts and equality and now they have a greater number in the working world compared to the great number of strictly house wives in the past. However society’s views of monogamy and the sanctity of marriage still remains. Also remaining is the fact that society his more understanding about a male breaking away from monogamy than their female counter parts.
     If I was the author I would stick to this ending of the storm and not change this well-orchestrated finish. I would choose not to alter it because changing the ending could spoil the metaphor of the story line to the title. Also I was on point in getting the readers to view the sexual desire not only of a male but the often untold version of a female and it successfully expresses to women that they are not the only ones and they are not ill to have desires but it’s a part of the human condition.