Analysis of Symbols in 'The Storm' by Kate Chopin

In the catholic church adultery has been seen as a immoral sin between to persons who are married and committed this action. Kate Chopin wrote“The Storm” the story revealed that Calixta and Alcee they used to be attracted to one another in previous years, but they were married to other persons. During the storm Alcee looked for shelter in Calixta house, and both had a passionate moment. Chopin is an American author born in 1850, she was a big proponent of feminism and female expression, and constantly questioned the state of personal freedom in turn of the century America. Chopin use the storm, witnesses and assumption to symbolize the romantic immoral action they both had made committed during the storm. Definitely Chopin use the weather of the storm to symbolize the feelings and also the foreshadowing of the unhappy marriage Calixta was having.

As the matter of fact, the storm symbolize the sexual passion that happens between Calixta and Alcee. When the rain came, the power of the storm can be read as representation of the passion with the two characters. Their sexual tension between both start when the lighting strikes a tree scares Calixta, making her go look for protection in Alcee arms. When they both are in their passion, the rain reaches to the fullest, by the time they both finished they adultery the storm has stopped and has moved on. For instance, Chopin explains, “He stayed cushioned upon her, breathless, dazed, enervated, with his heart beating like a hammer upon her. With one hand she clasped his head, her lips lightly touching his forehead. The other hand stroked with a soothing rhythm his muscular arms” (199). When the storm stopped the rain seems to clean their adultery because in the story, they both walked outside the world is shiny and bright. The storm itself is very symbolic in the storm story, the author made this as a scene for their intensity of their passion.

Moreover, Chopin use the color white, which the adultery between the two main characters took place. The color white symbolize the passion and the sexuality. By using this color the author Chopin is suggesting the passion that possible exist between Calixta and Alcee. It may also symbolize the absence of passion between Calixta and Alcee marriages. The fact Calixta husband was always absent in their house can also symbolize what it took both characters to committed these sin. As they may feel sexually fulfilled in their marriages and their desire for sex, has resulted between them conducting and immoral sin. For instance, she explain, “Her white neck and a glimpse of her full, firm bosom disturbed him powerfully”(Chopin 198). The color white in the story was very important ferrering to the white neck of Calixta where the sin was going to start between them. The author leave to the reader imagination this symbol which is part of a very important event during the storm was passing by.

Accordingly, in the story assumption in the small town where Calixta and Alcee met up and shared some kisses a long time ago. The assumption has religious that remains us of our the virginity. In the catholic church is reference to the Virgin Mary ascent to heaven after she dies. Calixta and Alcee finally had their feelings for one another is in Calixta house. If Alcee would been dishonored if he had take advantage of a virgin and marriage is not possible. They would be caught Calixta would have probably gotten pregnant and everyone would known that she had been committed sin. Now she is married if this would happen then, everyone would think that the child belongs Calixta husband. Because even though they committed sin, Alcee and Calixta did not had intentions of leaving their marriages.