The Storm by Kate Chopin Study Guide
Summary and Themes in Chopin's Short Story
Do extreme circumstances cause extreme behaviors? Some see this as the central question posed in "The Storm" by Kate Chopin. When Calixta anxiously awaits the return of her husband and son, who are caught away from home as a severe storm rolls in, Calixta ends up reuniting with an old flame who stops by to ride out the stormy weather.
"The Storm" Plot Summary: Parts I and II
"The Storm" is told in five short sections. Section I is brief, and it focuses on young Bibi and his father, Bobinot, who are shopping at a store when they witness a storm brewing on the horizon. They quickly discuss whether or not Bibi's mother, and Bobinot's wife, will be worried at home waiting for them.
In Part II, Calixta, Bobinot’s wife, is at home alone when the storm starts to develop. Just as the weather takes a turn for the worse, a man rides up to the house and asks if he can wait out the storm there. Calixta quickly invites him in, and it becomes apparent that the man, Alcee, is someone with whom Calixta shares a romantic past.
Part II also contains the climax of the storm outside the house, as well as within. As the storm intensifies, so does the interaction between Calixta and Alcee. It is discovered that they had a relatively innocent relationship several years ago, and there seems to have been some lingering feelings. In the heat of the moment, Calixta and Alcee have a passionate affair as the storm rages outside.
Plot Summary of Parts III, IV, and V
Part III begins with the end of the rain and stormy weather. Calixta and Alcee happily part ways, Bobinot and Bibi return to home to an uncharacteristically joyful Calixta, and all seems well. Parts IV and V briefly explain that Alcee is also married, to a woman named Clarisse, and they have children. However, Clarisse is away, visiting friends, and she is thankful for the separation from her husband and the constraints of their marriage.
Themes
While there are multiple themes at work in this short story, the central themes arise from the seemingly nonchalant attitude toward infidelity in a marriage and a woman who follows sexual desires. Issues Chopin seems to be raising include:
- Roles of Love and Sex in Marriage
- Women’s Sexuality
- Honesty
- Guilt/Lack of Guilt
Although considered a controversial story, particularly for the time it was written and the themes involved, “The Storm” remains a classic in the canon of American Literature. The stories plot is reinforced by the setting of the storm, the two mirroring one another throughout the story. Some readers believe that the setting causes the plot in this story. Whether or not this is the case is debatable, but plot and setting are closely intertwined.
Other Articles About Kate Chopin:
Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour"
American Writer Kate Chopin
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Chopin Uses Imagery to Develop Setting
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