The Storm Group

Question:


annushka-1
Student
College - Freshman

How does Chopin use the climax of her story "The Storm" to make a point?

Rate question:

Posted by annushka-1 on Saturday September 13, 2008 at 7:09 PM and tagged with climax, the storm, themes.

Answers:


  1. sullymonster Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    This story was originally withheld from publication by Chopin, who understood that it was advanced for its time.  Not only does she endorse adultery, but she also makes a strong statement endorsing sex and is graphic (for the time) in her description.  Chopin uses this short piece, reintroducing her characters from "At the 'Cadian Ball", to illustrate that physical love is as important to humans and emotional love. 

    The storm is symbolic of this, being a powerful aspect of nature and thus showing the animalistic side of humanity.  The storm builds energy and takes control of the town for a short time, just as physical desire builds in the characters and takes control of their actions.  The climax of the storm coincides with the climax of the lovemaking between Alcee and Calixta.  These dual events point to Chopin's theme.

    What follows the climax further supports the importance of physical love.  Having satisfied their desires, both characters are able to move forward in their separate lives, happy and energetic.  Just as the storm has turned "the glistening green world into a palace of gems", the physical release has turned Alcee and Calixta into models of the perfect spouse.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/storm-kate-chopin-salem/storm-92400...

    Rate answer:

    Posted by sullymonster on Saturday September 13, 2008 at 7:36 PM


  2. kwoo1213 Teacher
    College - Freshman

    To add to the previous answer, Chopin also held the belief that there was a huge difference between sexual love for a single person and sexual love in a marriage.  She questioned if there could still be the type of passion people typically find when they are single OR with other people outside of the marriage, IN a marriage.  She saw a discrepancy there.  The struggle with sexuality, especially for women, and the expression of it both inside and outside of a marriage is an issue Chopin struggled with.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/storm-kate-chopin

    Rate answer:

    Posted by kwoo1213 on Sunday September 14, 2008 at 9:25 AM