In the catholic religion adultery is viewed as an immoral act between two married people who have committed it. Kate Chopin told the story of “The Storm”, in which Calixta was attracted by Alcee but she married someone else. Alcee found shelter in Calixta’s home during a storm. They both shared a passionate experience. Chopin was born in America in 1850. As a feminist and advocate for female expression, Chopin questioned America’s personal freedom during the turn of century. Chopin uses the weather, witnesses, assumption and romantic immorality to symbolize their actions. Chopin uses the weather and storm to represent the feelings of Calixta’s unhappy marriage.
The storm is a symbol of the passion between Calixta & Alcee. As the storm raged, it was the representation of their passion. Calixta becomes frightened by lightning and runs into Alcee to seek protection. When they both were in passion, rain reached its highest point. But when they finished adultery, it had passed. Chopin, for example, says, “He was cushioned on her, breathless and dazed. His heart beat like a hammer.” Her lips gently touched her forehead as she clasped the top of his head with one hand. The other stroked, in a soothing manner, his muscular arm” (199). After the storm, the rain washed away their infidelity because they both went outside to enjoy the shiny and bright world. The storm is symbolic of the story. It was used to show the intensity of the couple’s passion.
Chopin also used white to show the adultery of the two main protagonists. The color White represents sexuality and passion. Chopin suggests that Calixta’s and Alcee’s marriage could be passionate by using white. It could also represent the lack of passion in Calixta’s and Alcee’s marriage. Calixta’s husband being absent from their home can be a symbol of what both characters did to commit these sins. Both characters may be sexually fulfilled and desire sex. This has resulted to both of them committing immoral acts. She explains, “Her full, firm breast and her white neck disturbed him deeply” (Chopin, 198). The story’s use of white is very significant, as it refers to Calixta and her white neck. This was where the sin between them was about to begin. This symbol is a part of an important event that happened during the storm. The author leaves it up to the imagination of the reader.
Accordingly, the story assumes that Calixta and Alcee were in a small village where they met and kissed a while ago. The assumption remains our virginity. In the catholic Church, the Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven is referred to after her death. Calixta had feelings for Alcee in Calixta’s house. Alcee is dishonored by taking advantage of virgins and marriage will not be possible. Calixta, if she was caught, would probably have become pregnant. Everyone would then know that Calixta had committed a sin. Everyone would believe the child is Calixta’s if that were to happen. Alcee Calixta both had the intention to stay in their marriages.
