The Storm Symbolism
The writer Kate Chopin uses imagery and symbolism to evoke the theme of sex, marriage, and feminism in the short story The Storm. The affair between Calixta and Alcee, the symbolism of the storm, the after effects of both marriages, and the strong feminism of the wives are key parts of this story. A storm rolls in during the summer in Louisiana while father and son Bobinito and Bibi are at Friedheimer's store. Wife Calixta is at home during the storm, and is doing her house wife duties until old interest Alcee arrives to take cover from the rain and lightning. The storm itself is an extended metaphor and symbol throughout the whole story of Alcee and Calixta’s heated affair. In the beginning, the story says "somber clouds that were rolling
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Each wife escapes their marriages in different ways. Calixta fulfills her unsatisfied needs by having an affair with Alcee. In her text describing the relations between the two, Chopin writes, “her firm, elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright," (Chopin 202) was referring to Calixta's natural sexuality; like it was her natural right to fulfill her desires which plays in the theme of feminism. Chopin also makes a reference with Calixta to Mother Nature, who commonly is associated with women empowerment. She wrote, “[Calixta] was like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world.” (Chopin 202). This comparison shows how Calixta felt during her adulterated encounter; beautiful and full of passion which are feminine empowering qualities. However, Clarisse used space to escape her marriage. Chopin writes that after Clarisse receives her husband endearing letter she felt the, “first free breath[s] since her marriage [that] seemed to restore the pleasant liberty of her maiden days.” (Chopin 204). Both women look back and reach for their single days when they were more free than bound down by marriage. The 19th century gender roles also take an effect of the women feeling less free because back then the men were the bread winners and worked, while the women took care of the home and raised the
Each wife escapes their marriages in different ways. Calixta fulfills her unsatisfied needs by having an affair with Alcee. In her text describing the relations between the two, Chopin writes, “her firm, elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright," (Chopin 202) was referring to Calixta's natural sexuality; like it was her natural right to fulfill her desires which plays in the theme of feminism. Chopin also makes a reference with Calixta to Mother Nature, who commonly is associated with women empowerment. She wrote, “[Calixta] was like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world.” (Chopin 202). This comparison shows how Calixta felt during her adulterated encounter; beautiful and full of passion which are feminine empowering qualities. However, Clarisse used space to escape her marriage. Chopin writes that after Clarisse receives her husband endearing letter she felt the, “first free breath[s] since her marriage [that] seemed to restore the pleasant liberty of her maiden days.” (Chopin 204). Both women look back and reach for their single days when they were more free than bound down by marriage. The 19th century gender roles also take an effect of the women feeling less free because back then the men were the bread winners and worked, while the women took care of the home and raised the