Chopin Kate

Kate Chopin’s Symbolic Use of Nature

Kate Chopin uses nature and symbolism throughout her three short stories. Her vivid use of nature and its elements allow the reader to get a realistic view of the characters and their setting. By using nature to represent the feelings of her characters, Chopin allows the reader to evoke emotions they might have felt during similar times or situations. A simple example of symbolism would be the use a dark forest in a story. The dark forest could possible represent evil or confusion (1380). Like the example Chopin uses a specific season like spring or naturally occurring thunderstorms to symbolize new life or uncontrollable passion.

In the first story the reader encounters Babette and Maman-Nainaine. Quickly the reader learns that Babette is waiting for the figs to ripen before she is allowed to visit her cousins. Figs have little if nothing to do with Babette being able to leave, but instead they symbolize her coming of age. Figs tend to ripen in late spring to early summer. Spring and summer are times of life and growth. So Babette is like a ripening fig that has to grow and mature before its ready. Finally when the figs ripen Maman-Nainaine says, “How early the figs have

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At first glance her symbolism is not clear, but after a second reading the reader can find an immediate use symbolism to describe what is to come. HE finally gets what he desires and leaves before anyone can find out. Chopin’s use of symbolism in this story is easy for most readers to relate to because we have all been in a situation similar to Babette’s at one time. The storm is a symbol for something for greater. Bibi, the small child, is talking about the calm before the storm. On the other hand Maman is telling Babette that she has ripened into a young lady very quickly. For most people this type of tragedy would be the start of a time of sadness; however, the reader quickly sees that this is not so for Mrs. The rain and lightning bring much worry to Calixta. Her stories draw in the reader by using situations that are common, but when reread a deeper meaning can be found. Of course some readers may overlook this simple representation and say that from the obvious title bad weather lies ahead; however, the storm in this case is not really the weather phenomenon that has lightning and thunder.

Chopin’s use of spring carries over to “The Story of an Hour”.

In “The Storm” Chopin shifts from seasons to actual weather occurrences to symbolize her characters’ emotions. Babette is trying to say to Maman that she is mature and that she has been for quite some time. Her response is “I got enough to do!”(28) Here Alcee lust for Calixta can be seen as the never ending rain, while Calixta is the levee trying to hold back the water.

Approximate Word count = 801
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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