THE STORM BY KATE CHOPIN
The Storm by Kate Chopin is a classic example of effective use of setting.the author chooses a absolutely remarkable setting that not only highlightsthe significance of the actions taking place during the story but alsoaccentuate the intensity of passion and emotions that the two charactersCalixta and Alcee share. This story takes place during a stormy night whenCalixta's husband Bobinot is away from home with his son and has not yetreturned. it appears that he has been caught in the storm. During thisnight, her ex-lover comes to her place to seek shelter and as is usuallycommon in such situations, Calixta is drawn to Alcee who is also a marriedman by now. Both renew their passion with the storm raging outside. Thesetting is tied to their passion and emotions because as the storm getsintense, so does the passion between the couple. "While the storm burst. Itshook the wooden store and seemed to be ripping great furrows in thedistant field" (Chopin, 96), and also again "The rain beat on the low,
The ending of storm signifies ending of adulteryand passion while the dawn signifies a new and better beginning. He told her not to hurry back, but if herand the babies liked it in Biloxi, to stay a month longer. The setting thus plays an important role in conveying and illustrating thepassion of the couple and its changing level of intensity. In the story wenotice that the setting is perfect both in terms of time and weather sincethese are used as symbols. Night also symbolizes a time of forgetfulness. As soon asstorm ends, Calixta's loses her passionate feelings towards her ex-loverand is keenly awaiting her husband to return so she can show him hernewfound understanding and love for their relationship. It was a lovingletter full of tender solicitude. led roof with a force and clatter that threatened to break an entranceand deluge them there" (96). After the storm, as everythingbecomes clearer, both Calixta and Alcee can also see their respectivemarriages in a clearer light. They show new tenderness and love towardstheir spouses, which renews and rekindles their marital relationship. Calixta andAlcee were so caught in the moment that they simply didn't let theirmarital status become a hurdle and this was clear from the way Chopindescribed it, "They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar ofthe elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms" (97). Setting has beenused to accentuate the intensity of their emotions and similarly it is alsoused to show the end and waning of the passion. "The growl of the thunderwas distant and passing away. " (98)Apart from the storm, the time these actions take place also signifiessomething important. He was gettingon nicely; and though he missed them, he was willing to bear separation awhile longer-- realizing that their health and pleasure were the firstthings to be considered" (99).
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