The Storm Kate Chopin Analysis

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Ashley Hicks Dr. Ortego English 1102 February 4th, 2018 Fiction Essay Reading "The Storm" by Kate Chopin, one would not expect the contents of the story from looking at the title. The story is set in Louisiana back in the ninetieth century. In the story there are two main characters, who are past lovers, Calixta and Alcee. When in a marriage is it important that both husband and wife receive love and the fulfillment they desire. The storm represents Calixta and Alcee's sexual desire toward one another and the destruction it could cause their marriages. In the beginning of the story the author starts off with the husband and son in town and taking shelter at a store. The wife is at home alone sewing and does not realize a storm is approaching.…show more content…
12). Readers can assume that Calixta is really the same since being married. Kate Chopin is trying to point out the fact that being married does not change a woman if there is no passion and fulfillment. Chopin may be suggesting that Calixta has something missing, all these years that her husband could not provide for her and Alcée was able to give her that missing piece when they had sex. Chopin believes that this is not sinful because every woman should experience passion and have sexual fulfillment in their life. This is even more clear when Chopin says, "Calixta's firm, elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright" (par.25). By saying it is Calixta's birthright to have sex, it validates Chopin's approval of this "sinful"…show more content…
In this short story, marriage is described to be very different than how it is showed today. Chopin highlights the ideals of marriage and how even though the relationship between Calixta and Alcée was sinful and disloyal, it was healthier in the long run for both their marriages. Calixta and Alcée both have better attitudes and treat their spouses better after this act of adultery. Calixta's "first free breath since her marriage seemed to restore the pleasant liberty of her maiden days. Devoted as she was to her husband, their intimate conjugal life was something which she was more than willing to forego for a while” (par. 38). Calixta’s newly found passion shows the importance of it, whereas many women felt they were obligated to their husbands. The storm itself was describing their progressing passion with the encounter of lightning bolt and

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