Throughout the story constant subtle comparisons are made between the actual storm outside and the storm from within. The first reference is when we are told that Calixta “was greatly occupied and did not notice the approaching storm”. This could also be implying that she felt comfortable with her life style, such that it was, and did not suspect that anything was wrong. As we go on we are told that “Alcee Laballiere rode in at the gate”. “She had not seen him very often since her marriage, and never alone…and the big rain drops began to fall.” The big raindrops could also be construed as tears as a result of true feelin

As the storm outside continues to intensify, so does the one from within as Calixta “went and stood at the window with a greatly disturbed look on her face”. This set the stage for the inevitable as a bolt of lightening strikes a tree and Calixta “staggered backward” into Alcee’s arms and “for an instant he drew her close and spasmodically to him”. Holding her like that “aroused all the old-time infatuation and desire for her flesh”. Calixta releases “herself from his encircling arm” and starts talking about her son showing clearly that at that moment she is still confused and experiencing mixed feelings. This confusion does not last long however, as we are told that “as she glanced up at him the fear in her liquid blue eyes had given place to a drowsy gleam that unconsciously betrayed a sensual desire.

Some topics in this essay:
Shortly Alcee’s, Kate Chopin, , storm outside, theme adultery, storm outside storm, calixta’s husband son, adultery result negative, theme adultery result, kate chopin setting, blue eyes, adultery result, result negative, outside storm, calixta’s body, husband son, calixta’s husband, kate chopin,