Conflicts in "The Storm"

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Conflict is one of the main driving forces behind a story. Without conflict the characters in the story would have no reason to do anything. Because of this every story requires some type of conflict in order to progress. The types of conflict can range from a man enduring the elements, known as man against nature, or as one character against a larger group, man against society. In addition to the other styles of conflict, the most relatable and compelling is when one character is set against another, known as man against man. Kate Chopin’s story “The Storm” displays three examples of a man against man style conflict, Bobinot against his wife Calixtra, Alcee against Calixta, and Alcee against his wife Clarisse, these show how a nonviolent conflict can occur between characters.
The first example that is shown of a man against man style conflict is Bobinot against his wife Calixtra. This conflict can be separated into two occurrences, Bobinot being out in the storm, and when he lets his son Bibi get dirty. In the first, Bobinot out in the storm, it is shown that he decided to remain in the store until the storm ends. This is explicitly stated in the line “They were at Friedheimer's store and decided to remain there till the storm had passed.” Being force to remain inside the store thanks to the storm, Bibi then states that “"Mama'll be 'fraid” , to which Bobinot agrees, and buys a can of shrimps to comfort Calixta when he arrives home. However, in the next scene is is show that “Calixta, at home, felt no uneasiness for their safety”. The worry that the two believe Calixta is having for them, and their preparations to comfort her worry is the basis for this part of Bobinot and Calixta’s conflict. The next part of their conflict is s...

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...h Calixtra, either by arriving unannounced or figuring it out, their marriage would be ruined. This shows that the conflicts between the two are those based around deceit.
Finally, Kate Chopin’s “The Storm” is a story with a variety of conflict. The conflict of Bobinot against Calixtra shown that conflict can be about relational problems, such as one person worrying over another or failing in their duties. Alcee’s conflict with Calixtra has shown a different side of relational problems, both of them not wanting their partners to find out of their actions, and their guilt in having committed the acts. The final conflict of the story, Alcee against Clarisse, shows that deceit can be another source of conflict, shown when Alcee sent a misleading letter to Clarisse. In conclusion, this story shows that conflict can occur, even when there is no physical confrontation.

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