Topic > Analysis of Symbols in 'The Storm' by Kate Chopin

In the Catholic church adultery was seen as an immoral sin between married people who committed this act. Kate Chopin wrote “The Storm” the story reveals that Calixta and Alcee were attracted to each other in previous years, but were married to other people. During the storm Alcee sought refuge in the Calixta house, and they both had a moment of passion. Chopin is an American author born in 1850, she was a great supporter of feminism and female expression and constantly questioned the state of personal freedom in turn-of-the-century America. Chopin uses the storm, witnesses and hypotheses to symbolize the romantic and immoral action that both of them had committed during the storm. Certainly Chopin uses the time of the storm to symbolize the feelings and also the foreshadowing of the unhappy marriage that Calixta was having. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay As a matter of fact, the storm symbolizes the sexual passion that occurs between Calixta and Alcee. When the rain came, the power of the storm can be read as a representation of the passion between the two characters. Their sexual tension between the two begins when lightning striking a tree scares Calixta, forcing her to seek protection in Alcee's arms. When both are immersed in their passion, the rain comes at its peak, when both end the adultery the storm has stopped and passed. For example, Chopin explains, “he remained leaning on her, breathless, stunned, unnerved, with his heart beating like a hammer on her. With one hand she grabbed his head, lightly touching his forehead with her lips. The other hand caressed his muscular arms with a soothing rhythm” (199). When the storm stops, the rain seems to cleanse their adultery because in the story they both walk out of the world which is shiny and bright. The storm itself is very symbolic in the story of the storm, the author created it as a scene for the intensity of his passion. Furthermore, Chopin uses the color white, to indicate adultery between the two main characters. The white color symbolizes passion and sexuality. By using this color the author Chopin suggests the possible passion that exists between Calixta and Alcee. It can also symbolize the absence of passion between the Calixta and Alcee marriages. The fact that Calixta's husband was always absent from their home may also symbolize what it took for both characters to commit these sins. Because they may feel sexually fulfilled in their marriages and their desire for sex, immoral conduct has resulted among them. For example, he explains, “her white neck and the glimpse of her full, firm breast disturbed him greatly” (Chopin 198). The color white in the story was very important in reference to Calixta's white neck where the sin between them would begin. The author leaves this symbol to the reader's imagination which is part of a very important event during the passage of the storm. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Accordingly, in the story is set in the small town where Calixta and Alcee met and shared some kisses long ago. The assumption has a religious character that remains with us of our virginity. In the Catholic church, reference is made to the ascension of the Virgin Mary to heaven after her death. Calixta and Alcee finally felt their feelings for each other at Calixta's house. If Alcee was dishonored if he took advantage of a virgin and marriage was not possible. They would have been captured. Calixta.