A Reader's Response: The Storm

Kate Chopin's "The Storm" was an interesting story that was somewhat different to her other short story, "The Story of an Hour."

In "The Story of an Hour," the female character felt relieved that she was free from her marriage (although she really wasn't). However, "The Storm" sees the character Calixta somewhat yearning for affection and sexual satisfaction, even though she was already married to Bobinot. When her old flame Alcee visited the house during the stormy weather, they began to reminisce about the days they were together. This led to them growing more passionate with one another and, as a result, they had sex during the storm, while Bobinot and Bibi were stuck at the store.

Another certain element of "The Storm" was the metaphorical aspect. Sure, the story's title refers to the actual weather event that is going on in nearly the whole story, but it also refers to the relationships between Alcee and Calixta. From the story, it's easy to see that Calixta would rather be with Alcee, but she's stuck in the marriage. Also, the storm might have contained a major danger of the marriage breaking apart due to her affairs with Alcee. Alcee is putting himself in danger as well. At the end of the story, he writes a letter to his wife asking her to stay longer in Biloxi, a key indicator that Alcee really wants to be with Calixta.

Both of these characters are affectionate for each other, but the storm was a sign for things to come, and chances are hearts would be broken and relationships will be bumpy.

Forwarned is forarmed.