The Storm (short story)
| Author | Kate Chopin |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Romance |
| Published | In The Complete Works of Kate Chopin in 1969 |
| Publisher | Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press |
"The Storm" is a short story written by American writer Kate Chopin in 1898. The setting of the story takes place during the 19th Century somewhere in the south where storms are frequent and dangerous. It did not appear in print in Chopin's lifetime, but it was published in The Complete Works of Kate Chopin in 1969. This story is the sequel to Chopin's "At the 'Cadian Ball".
Bobinôt and his four-year-old son, Bibi, are at Friedheimer's store when a particularly violent storm begins to emerge. Therefore, the two decide to remain at the store until the storm passes. Bobinôt then decides to buy a can of shrimp for his wife, Calixta, while he waits with his son for the storm to abate.
Meanwhile, back at their house, Bobinôt's wife, Calixta is so occupied with her sewing that at first she does not notice the ominous clouds or thunder. Finally, she notices that it is growing darker outside so she decides to shut the windows and retrieve Bobinôt's and Bibi's clothes which are hanging outside. Then Alcée, one of Calixta's former beaus, rides up to the house and asks if he can stay there until the storm is over.
The storm worsens so Calixta invites Alcée into her home until it abates. Alcée then helps Calixta get some clothes off the line. He is impatient to come in and stays outside until it becomes apparent that the storm is not going to let up. Calixta gathers up the lengths of cotton sheet she had been sewing while Alcée takes a seat in the rocker. Calixta goes over to the window and observes the intensity of the storm which disturbs her. Calixta is worried about the safety of Bibi during the storm. Alcée attempts to comfort her and reminisces about the passion they once felt for each another. At first, Calixta is standoffish when Alcée tries to comfort her, but the she can't resist him. As the storm increases in intensity, so does the passion of the two former lovers. The sexual encounter between the pair ends at the same time as the storm. Alcée and Calixta go their separate ways once more, and both are left with feelings of rejuvenation and newfound happiness.
Bobinôt and Bibi return from the grocery store and Calixta immediately embraces them. Bobinôt presents his gift of the can of shrimp to his wife and she remarks that they will feast that night. Meanwhile, Alcée writes a loving letter to his wife, Clarisse, and encourages her to stay in Biloxi with their children as long as she needs. He notes that their well-being is more important than the separation anxiety that he endures. Clarisse is "charmed" by the letter and is happy in Biloxi because she feels free, as if she were a maiden again. She explains how although she is devoted to her husband; she isn't in a rush to go back to her married life. The story ends with the short line, "So the storm passed and every one was happy".
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