The Theme of Kate Chopin’s “the Storm”

Kate Chopin in “the Storm” uses symbolism in characters to develop the theme that marriages are not perfect. Although there is a physical storm in the story, there is also a storm of emotions. Chopin is able to convey the emotions of her characters throughout the story because the storm that takes place at the very beginning of her story. As the storm approaches Calixta is home sewing, while husband Bobinot and son Bibi are out at the store. Bobinot notices the “sombre clouds that were rolling with sinister intention from the west, accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar.” (page 394) The description makes it obvious that it’s a threatening, dangerous storm. The father and son decide to remain at the store till the storm passed by. Calixta is waiting at home sewing as time passed by. She doesn’t notice the storm approach; however, she does notice that she “felt very warm and often stopped to mop her face” (page 394) which implies that a storm is on the way. Calixta later realizes the importance of the situation and quickly prepares the house for the storm. As she steps outside she sees Alcee and “the big rain drops began to fall” (page 395). It is no coincidence that Alcee and the storm arrive at the same time; although Alcee’s intentions were to remain outside, the storm gains strength and he must come in. Calixta stands at the window worried for her family, Alcee joins her and stands behind her as the storm continues. In the distance a bolt struck a tree at the edge of the field “The playing of the lighting was incessant…It filled all visible space with a blinding glare and the crash seemed to invade the very boards they stood upon.” (page 395). Chopin uses the storm to symbolize that the storm is full of electricity, incessant electricity, this spark between Calixta and Alcee which threatens to blind them and cannot be denied.
As the lightning strikes the tree, Calixta staggers backward into Alcee’s arms. The storm cannot be avoided, the pounding