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  • Essay / The Storm' by Kate Chopin: love story or romantic reconnection

    In “The Storm”, Kate Chopin uses the characters Calixta and Alcee to break with the expectations of the romantic cliché represented in most stories or films . Upon meeting in an adulterous affair, their relationship is symbolized by the storm throughout the story which would be described as destructive, painful and morally corrupt. Chopin's perspective engages his readers with the image of an imperfect relationship that surprisingly influences everyone's marriages for the better. The specific theme of love used throughout this short story is romantic love. This story is about the passionate bond between Calixta and Alcee. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Throughout the story “The Storm,” there is metaphorical meaning related to the violent storm and Calixta and Alcee’s affair. The symbolic meaning of the storm is very clear on who it symbolizes, in this case Calixta and Alcee. The intensity of the storm had reignited an old flame between the two, forcing them to act accordingly. The quote “…when he possessed her, they seemed to vanish together at the very edge of the mystery of life” speaks of their sexual relations that took place that night (Chopin 2). The sexual desire represented in this quote and in the story itself can be symbolized by the storm as it hit both men abruptly and reminded them of the lack of desire in their current marriages. Even though Bobinot is Calixta's husband, she somehow feels a lack of passion in their relationship and seeks it out from Alcee, thus leading to this affair. Calixta was always an efficient housewife to Bobinot, but she was never really able to simultaneously be a passionate partner to her husband due to the society of that time. At that time, women with such qualities could not exist. Since Calixta had to present herself as a pure and apathetic housewife, she was unable to truly connect her feelings with her husband. This had allowed her to be easily lured into engaging in sex with Alcee, releasing some of her inner frustrations and filling her lack of desire. Just like the storm, the outbreak of this case could cause chaos and destruction in each other's families. The consequences would result in broken homes and relationships that could be irreparable. Fortunately, they both realized what would result from their actions and decided to put an end to it. Calixta and Alcee both knew it was only temporary, much like the storm itself, and didn't want things to get out of control before it was too late. It was said in the story that "the rain was over and the sun was turning the sparkling green world into a palace of precious stones", thus referring to the fact that although they seemed as happy as they could be in their intimate moment, they knew life would. be even better at the end (Chopin 2). It seems that the meaning of this quote allows readers to believe that Calixta and Alcee, engaging in this affair, have sparked even more passion in their own relationships with their spouses. Even though they both cheated, it allowed them to have better bonds with their family and a greater appreciation for the people they love. Calixta and Alcee's commitment was much deeper than is shown, meaning that their happiness resulted from the intimacy they shared during the storm (St. Rosemary Institution 5). The storm is a setting.