Kate Chopin wrote "The Storm" in the late nineteenth century. During this time, women were considered very innocent and sexuality were for men pleasure not for women, their needs and desires were not considered in every day living. In "The Storm" we can see a totally different view of a woman's behavior.This story refutes the idea that women can not be tempted by a man and that they cannot have desires and satisfaction. I think that Chopin felt that women should take control of their lives and change them if they aren't completely happy and in some way I agree with her. .
"The Storm" begins on a stormy spring day. Bobinot and his son Bibi decide to wait at the store the approaching storm. Bobinot for me seems to be a simple man who loves his family. Bobinot's wife, Calixta, is alone at home; for me Calixta seems to be a bored woman confined to her duties as a housewife and mother. She is not aware of the storm approaching and I think that neither she is of the passion and sexuality within her. .
As the storm is coming closer and she realizes about it, a new character appears, Alcee Laballiere, I can see him as a very interesting man and there is a sexual attraction between Calixta and Alcee that started five years ago and has never died even though both of them are married now.
I realized that the Author is comparing the intensity of the storm outside with the passion growing between the two Characters. As the storm keeps on intensifying itself the sexual desire between them reaches its peak and they gave into their sexual emotions and made love. Then the storm passes and Alcee leaves. The storm inside them was satisfied and for a brief moment Calixta felt liberated from her ordinary life, she seems to be happy without guilt or shame.
Bobinot and Bibi return home after the storm. Calixta feels happiness and satisfaction of their safe return.
I believe that what happened between Alcee and Calixta helped her in her relationship with her family, we can see this in the following passage " the three of them seated themselves at the table they laughed much and so loud that anyone might have heard them as far away as Laballiere's".
