Romantic Love and Morality in "The Storm" Khyati Patel College

The primary theme that is conveyed by Kate Chopin in "The Storm" is romantic love, or the sexual attraction that is present between two significant characters in the short story. Chopin carries out her message on independence and freedom, particularly on the sexual aspect of a woman's life, through the use of various techniques such as symbolization, a unique tone, an allegory, metaphors, and similes.

The most significant method Chopin utilizes to support her theme on independence over sexuality is symbolization. The fundamental symbol used in "The Storm" is the storm itself; it provides both Calixta and Alce the opportunity to engage in their short period of sexual time with each other. In other words, the storm symbolizes the freedom both of the characters have before they have to continue their ordinary, normal lives back again, or before the storm goes away. In contrast to most pieces of literature in which the rain symbolizes the washing away of sins, the rain in "The Storm" introduces the sin of adultery and immoral sexual desire. Overall, the storm represents the freedom both Calixta and Alce have to engage in adultery and romance while keeping it secretive. Another crucial symbol that has a meaning contradictive to its...