In “The Storm”, Kate Chopin uses the characters Calixta and Alcee to break the clichéd expectations of love depicted in most stories or films. Meeting in an adulterous relationship, their relationship is symbolized by the storm that runs throughout the story and which would be described as destructive, painful and morally corrupt. Chopin's perspective engages his readers with the image of an imperfect relationship that surprisingly influences their respective marriages for the better. The specific theme of love used in this story is romantic love. This story is about the passionate bond between Calixta and Alcee. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Throughout the story, “The Tempest,” there is a metaphorical meaning relating to the vigorous storm and the relationship between Calixta and Alcee. The symbolic meaning of the storm is quite clear as to who it symbolizes, in this case Calixta and Alcee. The intensity of the storm had ignited an old flame between the two, forcing them to act on it. The quote “…when he possessed her, they seemed to faint together at the very edge of the mystery of life” talks about their sexual intercourse that occurred that night (Chopin 2). The sexual desire represented by this quote and the story itself can be symbolized by the storm as it suddenly hit the two and reminded them of the lack of desire in their current marriages. Even though Bobinot is Calixta's husband, she somehow feels a lack of passion in their relationship and seeks it in Alcee, thus leading to the affair. Calixta has always been an efficient housewife to Bobinot, but was never truly able to simultaneously be a passionate partner to her husband due to the society of that time period. At that time women with such qualities could not exist. Because Calixta had to present herself as a pure and apathetic housewife, she was unable to truly connect her feelings with her husband. This had allowed her to be easily pressured into having sexual intercourse with Alcee and to release some of her inner frustrations as well as satisfy her lack of desire. Similar to the storm, the nurturing of this relationship could cause chaos and destruction to their respective families. The consequences would lead to the breakdown of families and relationships that could be irreparable. Fortunately, they both realized what would result from their actions and decided to end it. Calixta and Alcee both knew that this was only a temporary event, just like the storm itself, and they didn't want the situation to get out of control before it was too late. In the story it was said that "the rain had stopped and the sun was turning the green and glittering world into a palace of gems", thus referring that although they seemed as happy as they could be in their intimate moment, they knew that life would be even better at the end (Chopin 2). It seems that the meaning of this quote allows readers to believe that Calixta and Alcee, by being in this relationship, have infused a little more passion into their relationships with their spouses. Even though they both cheated, the result is that they had a better bond with their families and a greater appreciation for the people they love. Calixta and Alcee's engagement went much deeper than shown, signifying that their happiness was a result of the intimacy they shared while the storm was occurring (St. Rosemary Institution 5). The storm is a very effective setting in this story and is quite symbolic for the story depicted..