Adultery In The Storm By Kate Chopin

Adultery in the 1800s “The Storm” by Kate Chopin was written in 1898. However it was not published until almost 70 years later in 1969 in The Complete Works of Kate Chopin (Composition and Publication Dates, 2018). It is a short story that touches on the disputed subject of adultery. Calixta and Alcée are former lovers, and supposedly moved on to happy married life. However, they reunite during a dangerous storm and old feelings start to spark up again. They have an intense passionate sexual encounter, the storm ends and they continue to live their lives like nothing happened and their spouses do not suspect a thing. It is ironically tragic knowing that they have to go their separate ways after experiencing such pleasure and happiness. It

First of all, why was Alcée near Calixta’s house? He certainly was not visiting here with the intention of having an affair because he did not know that she was alone. “He expressed an intention to remain outside, but it was soon apparent that he might as well have been out in the open: the water beat in upon the boards in driving sheets, and he went inside, closing the door after him.” (pp. 434-435). He knew that it was improper to impose on her house and also that it was inappropriate to be alone with a women let alone a married women. That is why he preferred to stay outside, but the storm had a different opinion and pushed him inside alone with her. The natural world is much stronger than social property. Therefore, Alcée has to come in her domestic space to wait the

He writes a loving letter saying “He was getting on nicely; and though he missed them, he was willing to bear the separation a while longer —realizing that their health and pleasure were the first things to be considered.” (p.437). Although it is an understatement to say that Alcée is “getting on nicely;” considering that he just had an amazing sexual encounter with the women he loved. I think that he got excited and not just “getting on nicely”. He writes to Clariss there is no reason for them to hurry home as long as she and the children are happy their in Biloxi. However, I think that he “is willing to bear the separation” because the sparks of the recent encounter is still glowing. In addition, Clariss claims to be faithful to her husband while at the same time making it clear that she does not mind spending time separated from him. “Devoted as she was to her husband, their intimate conjugal life was something which she was more than willing to forego for a while.” (p.437). I would expect that if she is really faithful or devoted, she would be reluctant to stay away longer or at least force herself bear the distance. Instead, she did not hesitate a bit to take a disunion in fact she was relieved and ready to part with him for a