Exploring Sexuality

1340 Words3 Pages

“The Storm” by Kate Chopin is a short story that touches on the controversial subject of adultery. The two characters Calixta and Alcee were both happily married. They reunited spontaneously during the midst of a severe storm, when old feelings resurfaced. Their actions out of lust were feelings they had long forgotten. Soon enough the storm had calmed, and the two parted ways; smiling back at each other they said their goodbyes. Their actions were without the intention of being deceitful, but rather uncontrollable. In the end it is ironic that the infidelity strengthened one marriage’s relationship and made the other character realize the importance of marriage through his wrong doings.

Calixta is the wife of Bobinot, also the mother of their four year old son Bibi. The day the storm brewed in she was preoccupied sewing, unaware of the rolling clouds. Calixta obliviously did not worry for the boys’ safety in the storm, as Bobinot and Bibi were away in town. She was a caring wife and mother though. As soon as she realized the situation she rushed outside to grab her husband’s trousers and such hanging on a linen line to save from the rainfall. There outside was where she saw Alcee Laballiere. With good intentions she let Alcee wait out the storm on her porch. Though the severity of the rain led Alcee to proceed inside, Calixta could not help but fear for the well being of her husband and son. As the hard sheets of rain pounded the shingles, she became more afraid and concerned for young Bibi and hoped they were safe. Looking out at the storm, Calixta began to cry and staggered backwards into Alcee’s surrounding arms. ‘“Bonte!” she cried, releasing herself from his encircling arm and retreating from the window,’ (533). She ...

... middle of paper ...

...much and so loud that anyone might have heard them as far away as Laballiere’s” (534). On the other hand, Alcee Laballiere can also be considered as a dynamic character. After his acts of infidelity, he wrote a very loving letter to his wife. Alcee had a change of heart and unselfishly requested her stay away for a little longer, if that would make her happy. He continued and wrote, “though he missed them, he was willing to bear the separation a while longer-realizing that their health and pleasure were the first thing to be considered” (534). Alcee realized that his care and love for his wife was greater than his selfish needs that would detract her from something that made her happy.

Works Cited

Reesman, Jeanne. "The Storm." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. By Nina Baym and Arnold Krupat. 7th ed. Vol. C. New York: W. W. Norton &, 2007. 531-34. Print.

Open Document