Literary Symbols In The Storm By Kate Chopin

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The short story "The Storm" by Kate Chopin, is set in a radical and mysterious situation during a onslaught mysterious storm in Louisiana; Chopin describes the storm as if it was a biblical prophecy in the making. The story begins with Father and son, Bobinot and Bibi, inside a regional store buying groceries, as they were attempting to leave they noticed a string of clouds approaching and having no choice, but to wait out the storm. Meanwhile at home gathering clothes during the whirling wind, Calixta notices the storm; in the nearby distance is a passerby and coincidentally her old lover Alcee. Desperately trying to Seek shelter from the rain, Alcee nears Calixta on her front porch. Chopin writes, “As she stepped outside, Alcee Laballiere …show more content…

The first kiss is the unbreakable and instinctive bond between the mother and child. The second kiss is the noncommittal friendly kiss on the cheek, which can be from a cousin to a cousin saying a friendly goodbye. Finally, the third kiss, the full intimate kiss, which sparks sexual tension or shows deep caring love of attraction. In addition to the literary kisses, Chopin also adds both a literal and figurative meaning to the “The Storm”. The literal meaning applies to the actual storm brewing outside that takes place during the story. It keeps everyone trapped in their destinations until the storm is over. The storm also places Alcee inside the house with Calixta which creates the opportunity for their brief liaison. The figurative meaning applies to the storm boiling within the lovers, in which they would have had an unrequited sexual love affair. Chopin question’s traditional gender roles and challenges the suppression of female sexuality. She writes of Calixta during her sexual encounter with Alcee: "Her firm elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright…. " (Chopin 4). Being sexually unsatisfied Calixta is deprived of something inherently important to her: Her “Birthright”. Chopin gives the vagina a "Birthright,” a powerful word indicating that women's bodies are as capable and desiring of physical

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