Kate Chopins short story The Storm narrated the story of a womens lies and a man lust for her being during the passing of a storm . The main characters, Calixta (the wife) and Alce (ex lover) have committed adultery and getting away unnoticed by their spouse. From the situation Chopin implies the theme of The Storm as to lie and cheat is just a natural part of life.
In the beginning of The Storm, Bobint and his son Bibi is taking cover from the storm in a nearby store and to wait for the storm the died down. A great lies is about to happened as the storm about to come and it shook [] ripping great furrows in the distant field (159). Calixta (Bobints wife) suspects what is to come and stood at the window with a greatly disturbed look on her face (160). What is to come is a secret that must be kept. As the couple were distant apart, the rain was coming down in sheets obscuring the view of far-off cabins and enveloping the distant wood in gray mist (160). Implied that the truth is about to be covered up. Not only that, it will seize to exist when Bobint came home from the storm and scraped the mud off Bibis bare legs and feet with a stick and carefully removed all traces from this heavy brogans (161). It implied that somehow the truth was scrape away. Alce was invited into the house while when lightning flashes and it filled all visible space [] the crash seemed to invade the very boards they stood upon (160). It suggested that Alce has broken into Calixtas barrier that she and her husband has nourish over the course of their lives therefore Alce being able to break that barrier and enter her body and soul. At the end of their dirty secret, the storm is
over and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a place of gems (161). The reader can somewhat assume that the sun (Alce) and the glistening green world (Calixta) is back to once it was, normal but with variety (like a gems). The constant shifting of the imagery or the storm gives the reader the idea of the characters development and to demonstrate the theme throughout the story.
During the late 1800s, marriage is very strict for a women. Any act of deceiving is considered a sin and will be punished. Calixta didnt feel any remorse but felt liberated in the rain was over; and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a place of gems. It gives the reader the idea that she didnt consider it a sin but instead a natural part of life and one shouldnt feel guilty of such doing. Alce further on comfort Calixta by saying dont be frightened. Nothing can happen. The house is low to be struck (struck as if Bobint finds out his wife in bed with another man), with so many tall trees (refers to Alce) standing about (160). So one might assume that Alce sees himself as an alternative shelter if Calixta was to be banish from her husband. Also, if Bobint would of suspect anything between them then Alce will be there to defend her from their lies in which they deem truthful.
Kate Chopins The Storm focuses on the living lying nature of the human aspect. Chopin implies that lies can dissolve without negative consequences. The story is to help make the reader understand a situation which could be happening in their own lives and therefore further avoiding certain unnecessary conflict between ones family.
Already have an account? Log In Now
2551