by Kate Chopin
The Storm Theme of Man and the Natural World
In "The Storm," the people and the world around them are experiencing the same brief, exciting, and dangerous event: the storm. Calixta and Alcée experience it differently than the others; for them, the storm heightens the danger and excitement of their adultery. When the storm is over, the natural world recovers. Similarly, when the lovers are finished, they part ways and return to their spouses.
Questions About Man and the Natural World
- Many critics have suggested that the storm is equivalent to the tempestuous sexual encounter between Calixta and Alcée (here's an example). What do you think the storm represents for characters like Bibi and Bobinôt?
- In what ways does the storm mimic the emotions and actions of the characters? In what ways does it seem to be the opposite of them?
- How is Clarisse affected by the storm?
Chew on This
The storm mirrors Alcée and Calixta's affair: both are brief, intense, and dangerous in their own ways, but neither involves any permanent damage.