The Storm

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A Symbolic Storm Cheating is a destructive act that periodically results in a termination of a relationship. In this case, Kate Chopin’s short story “The Storm” features a symbolic storm which forces a passionate and married woman in encountering her past love. She is left in an extraordinary situation which could potentially terminate her relationship with her family. The storm functions as a mean to an end, as it deliberately build the situation to set a tension between the two protagonists. Also, as the tension grows, both characters succumb to their overwhelming desire for each other, and thus resulting in an act of passion. The departing of the storm reflects the implicit scheme of itself in the incident. Furthermore, the storm operates as imagery and foreshadowing to represent the sexual tension of the two characters. The raging storm serves as the key symbolic element in relation to the two unfaithful characters, namely Calixta and Alcée, in their act of lovemaking. The unrelenting fierceness of the storm forces a barrier between Calixta and her family from getting in contact as they are in different location. This barrier is shown in: “[…] to certain somber clouds that were rolling with sinister intention from the west, accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar. They were at Friedheimer’s store and decided to remain there till the storm had passed” (Chopin page 1, 2-6). The storm begins initiating its mission in maintaining the distance between Calixta and her family. By obstructing Calixta from being with her family, she starts worrying about them while exhibiting a feeling of unease. Alcée, who is revealed to be Calixta’s past lover, suddenly arrives at her house when the storm began to intensify. Rather than being a... ... middle of paper ... ... In short, while the storm might reflect the outer environmental conditions with the inner personal ones, it may possess a certain wish in causing the sexual activity of Calixta and Alcée. The storm successfully achieves its ambition in integrating Calixta and Alcée. It first builds the situation to set a tension between the two primary characters, and then compel them to engaging in lovemaking. The ultimate departure of the storm displays the deliberate and implicit ambitions of integrating Calixta and Alcée, as there is no place for the possibility of coincidence. Also, the existence of the mix of foreshadowing and imagery on representing the sexual tension and desire exhibited by both characters, demonstrates its persistency on causing the sexual activity of Calixta and Alcée. Overall, the protagonists’ sexual engagement is immensely caused by the storm.

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