The Storm by Kate Chopin

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Recommended: Character development recitatif

1. Her personality is implied through her reactions and feelings throughout the story. Calixta was a caring and worrisome mother. When the storm came she was standing at the window watching, lightning struck a nearby tree and she exploded in emotion for the safety of her husband, child, and herself. That would be her most significant trait. She is also very family orientated. Although she had a unfaithful encounter with Alcee, she knew her family was more important. This is evident by the last few chapters where Calixta is thankful for her family being safe and Alcee and Calixta go their separate ways.

2. Calixta is different from the rest of the characters for a few reasons. She was the only character who was in a serious emotional distress of the storm and in conflict with emotions for another person. She had more to deal with then her family who was only stranded and waiting for the storm to pass over. She also seemed to be more nervous throughout the story than the rest of the characters because she was in the presence of her former lover while worrying for her family. This is evident in the line “...Calixta nervously began to gather up from the floor the lengths of cotton sheet...”

3. Calixta primary motivation is difficult to understand, especially at first glance. She was a caring mother who provided for her family. She was in need of help because she was unable to provide help or care for her family because of the storm. This conflict of man versus nature stopped her ability to provide and be there for her family although it was her primary motivation.

4. Calixta does understand her motivation in the story. Although, Alcee’s presence does interrupt and distract her main focus of her family. Alcee and Calixta’s interlude happened during this storm, when Calixta should been more focused on the whereabouts of her family. But after this encounter, she realizes what is more important when Alcee rides away on his horse.

5. Calixta changes a lot during the story I think. This prior relationship seemed almost unfinished and could have hurt her current marriage. After Alcee leaves her house and the storm passes, her attitude changes and becomes more grateful for her family. The last line of chapter III describes the family and Calixta “laughing so much and loud...” after her husband and child finally arrive home, which shows her feelings for her family and even deeper than before.

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