Essay Sample on "a Review of Kate Chopin's Short Story the Storm"

ESSAY SAMPLE ON "A REVIEW OF KATE CHOPIN'S SHORT STORY THE STORM"

In Kate Chopin's short story "The Storm," the narrative surrounds the brief affair of two individuals, Calixta and Alcee. Many people don't see the story as a condemnation of infidelity, but rather as an act of human sexuality. This essay argues that "The Storm" may be interpreted as a specific act of sexuality and passion joined with a condemnation of its repression by society. If one is to attempt to interpret "The Storm," it becomes necessary to examine the conditions of the surroundings.

The title of "The Storm," with its sexual energy and passion, is of course critical to any interpretation of the narrative. The title refers to nature, so the storm can therefore he seen as symbolic of sexuality and passion. And the image of the storm will be returned to again and again throughout the story.

At the beginning of the story Bobinot and his young son, Bibi decide to wait out a rapidly approaching storm at the store. Bobinot's wife, Calixta, is home alone, tending to the household chores. Calixta's is not aware of the storm approaching, although she is married and has a child, she is unaware of the sexuality and passion within her.

As Calixta is gathering up the laundry, Alcee Laballiere enters the yard, seeking shelter from the coming storm. My first impression of Alcee is that he is pretty well off in the world. Although I see Bobinot as a simple man. There is a mutual attraction between Calixta and Alcee, and this attraction is not new. Calixta has not seen Alcee very often since her marriage, and never alone. The attraction between Calixta and Alcee is only briefly explored. With Alcee's arrival comes the beginning of the rain, and he asks to wait out the storm on the front gallery.

Calixta is startled from her sudden awareness that she is still sexually attracted to Alcee, even though both are married. The storm increases quickly and drives Alcee inside. Calixta's appearance is described as "she is a little fuller of figure than five years before she married; but she had not lost nothing of her vivacity."

The storm outside continues to increase, reflecting the sexual tension inside. Calixta is becoming as unsettled as the elements outside, the passion of the storm echoing her inner emotions. Calixta and Alcee move to a window to watch the storm, and when lightning strikes nearby,