Book Review: The Storm
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The Storm is a short story written by Kate Chopin on July 19, 1898. The central theme is sexuality and marriage. The two main characters are Calixta and Alcee who were lovers before both engaged in different marriages. The two committed adultery at Calixta’s place when heavy thunderstorms and lightening struck.
This work was controversial in late 1800s because of what the storm did. First, is that it kept Bobinot and his son in town awaiting the storm to end which gave room for Calixta and Alcee to commit adultery. Alcee was riding on his horse and the storm struck when he reached at the Calixta’s home. Controversy came in also when Bobinot decided to buy a gift for Calixta in town as they wait for the storm to end not knowing that the same wife is betraying him at that moment.
The storm ended without causing any damage in the city. This is symbolic in the sense that Alcee and Calixta committed adultery during the storm time. Bobinot and Bibi did not know what was happening during the storm time instead, Alcee and Calixta were happy recalling their memorable moments. Alcee was lonely because the wife had gone away from him and the storm gave him comfort and leisure when he engages in sex with Calixta.
My view on Chopin’s approach to sexuality in this story is that Calixta was unfaithful to her husband Bobinot despite the arguments that she loved him. This is because she was the one who invited Alcee to her place when the storm was experienced. Alcee was on his own way with the horse and in fact refused to enter the house until the storm subsides but Calixta insists that they sleep together (Pope 2010)