The Storm Symbolism

The short story “The Storm” written by Kate Chopin contains symbolism. The title itself shows the main symbol associated with this short story. “ The Storm” is a short story continuation of the “Circadian Ball”, another of Kate Chopin’s works, and offers closure for the relationship between Alcée and Calixta. Alcée and Calixta fell in love in the “Circadian Ball”, however, society would not permit them to be together. They separated and married others. The two meet again in this short story addition as the storm draws them together and keeps Calixta's family away. Calixta and Alcée take this opportunity to make love since they never got the chance. The storm fades away which allows Alcée to leave on his horse and for Calixta's husband and child to return. Calixta returns to her passionless marriage, …show more content…
“May I come and wait on your galley till the storm is over, Calixta?” (Chopin 1). This quote shows that Alcée is forced to find shelter in Calixta’s home. The use of the storm to build up suspense is shown as Alcée is drawn to Calixta’s house in order to escape the upcoming storm. Alcée asks Calixta if he can stay on her porch until the storm passes. The fact that these two are drawn together builds up suspense if the reader is aware of their past. As the storm worsens Alcée is forced to go inside, while Calixta is home alone. Furthermore, the storm worries Calixta and therefore, causes Alcée to comfort her. This comfort offered by Alcée is shown in the quote “ She would not compose herself; she would not be seated. Alcée clasped her shoulders and looked into her face” (Chopin 2). All these events caused by the storm’s presence build up the suspense of the short story. By the time Alcée and Calixta are making love the reader can sense that's where the story was leading. In conclusion, the storm places a crucial role in developing the suspense of the story and in being Alcée and Calixta