Setting In Kate Chopin's 'The Storm'

Words: 461
Pages: 2

The storm is not only natural but also powerful, like the passions it symbolizes.

The setting plays a significant role in “The Storm”. The story takes place in the deep south, around the time of the 1800s. On this particular day there is a terrible storm moving into the town which Bobinot, Calixta, and their son, Bibi live. Kate Chopin intends to use this storm to move the story forward, because the gathering between Calixta and Alcee, Calixta’s earlier lover, is less valid if the storm is not present to bring about the desired outcome. So in order to drive the story forward, and bring these two together, Chopin uses the stormy setting to accomplish this goal, by forcing Alcee inside Calixta’s home. She goes on to say that, “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” (Chopin 124). Without the storm
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Alcee would have not accompanied Calixta into her home, because her family would have been on their way back from the store. As the storm moves along and continues to become more intense, so does the relationship between Calixta and Alcee. Calixta examined out of her window to investigate where Bobinot and Bibi were, as a bolt of lightning strikes a nearby tree. Chopin again uses the storm to direct the action of her story. Frightened by the bolt, “Calixta put her hands to her eyes, and with a cry, staggered backward” and “Alcee’s arms encircled her.” (125). Chopin takes advantage of the storm and uses it to literally push Calixta into Alcee’s arms. The affair reaches its climax shortly