Analyzing the Storm. Essay -- essays research papers

The lay in this story creates the ideal environment for anadulterous affair. In Kate Chopins "The Storm", Chopin not onlycreates the perfect setting but also uses the setting as a symbol of theaffair. Most likely occurring in the late 1800s and taking place inthe duncical South, the story gives an account of an adulterous affairbetween Calixta, wife to Bobinot and mother to four year old Bibi, andAlcee, husband to Clarisse, during a terrible rain draw. The frontof the storm is not merely coincidental. It is the driving force behindthe story and the affair. As the storm begins, climaxes and ends sodoes the affair and the story.From the opening we see that Chopin intends to use the storm to move thestory forward. The story begins with Bobinot and Bibi inside the localstore. As they attempt to leave they notice storm clouds approaching thetown. Deciding to wait out the storm, they ride out inside. Meanwhile,Calixta is at home sewing and unaware of the storm. Soon realizin g thestorm is approaching, she begins frantically running about the houseclosing windows and doors and retrieving clothes left on the porch. pursuance shelter from the rain, Alcee approaches as Calixta steps on toher front porch. Chopin writes, "As she stepped outside, AlceeLaballiere rode in at the gate" (96). By providing a terrible stormChopin creates an ingenious setting for this chance meeting. Chopinsintentions become even more apparent im...