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Calixta And Alcee In Kate Chopin's The Storm

Decent Essays

The underlying mysteries of the Storm

The word storm represents a violent disturbance of the atmosphere. A typical storm consists of Vigorous winds, large amounts of rain, thunder, lightning, and unpredictable temperatures. However, the word storm can take on various meanings when applied to life situations. Kate Chopin’s The Storm displays a story that focuses on two main characters, Calixta and Alcee. While the story centers around an actual storm that forces Bobinot, Calixta’s husband, from the house for an extended period of time, the inner storm that erupts for Calixta when Alcee arrives delineates a metaphoric storm. Their brief love affair is referred to the title, where the word “storm” exemplifies the strong erotic passion and lack …show more content…

Like the literal strain the surplus rainwater is putting on the trees, the characters longing for one another is straining against their will. There is the feeling that something will ultimately break, and as “her lips seemed in a manner free to be tasted, as well as her round, white throat and her whiter breasts,” (Chopin) Alcee breaks through Calixta’s inhibitions. Alcee tries hard to be a moral man and not take advantage of Calixta's virtue however; he succumbs to his own primal desires. The storm is not only natural but also powerful. Thunder crashing and the elements roar while Calixta and Alcee become intimate. As the storm intensifies, it creates an intimate and passionate mood within Calixta’s home. “When he touched her breasts they gave themselves up in quivering ecstasy, inviting his lips….And when he possessed her, they seemed to swoon together at the very borderland of life’s mystery,” (Chopin). The pair quiver together as the winds of their metaphorical storm force a swaying of action. Just as the tempest will not cease, the characters cannot help but explore their feelings for one another. It is as if the storm is enticing the opportunity to be with one …show more content…

Instead of tearing the protagonist lives apart, like a storm would, the affair frees Calixta and helps her release some of her frustrations. Once the storm has passed, they establish new appreciation for their world and their families, predominantly their spouses, “The rain was over; and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems,” (Chopin). The storm is a representation of something that normally would be considered chaotic or dangerous actually being something that is satisfying and pleasing. Similarly, Alcee is shown caring more for his wife and children’s contentment, “…their health and pleasure were the first things to be considered,” (Chopin). Alcee places his own “health and pleasure” first when having the sexual clash with Calixta. Now that he has done so, he is able to omit some of his egotistical desires and consider his family’s. Alcee has grown from his experience with Calixta, which has allowed him to reflect more profoundly and less egoistically. The forbidden affair has made it so that he can look upon his wife and children with a new appreciation and strive to consider their desires as well as his own; making him a better

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