Essay 1
In books, symbolism is a tool used to suggest meanings higher than what may appear on the surface. In the short story "The Storm, " Kate Chopin uses symbolism for both natural and symbolic purposes in order to boost the plot and give interpretation to the issues that the type Calixta experiences
The storm provides the reader with insight into Calixta struggle, depicting a woman's internal battle with herself, and the cyclone that is sweeping the roadways outside her home. " The Storm" performs a vital part in revealing the theme of the storyplot which is approximately a "woman's sexuality and the complexities of the marriage status" (Harris). The central discord is the one that is powered behind the title. Calixta is a constant challenge between her ambitions, her marriage, and being a woman. It appears her spouse Bobinot avoids "The Storm" in both a literal and figurative way. He continues at the store to avoid the rainfall, but also to prevent the sexual dreams from his better half that might be longing at home. Externally, she's become unfaithful to her spouse credited to her inner issues with not being satisfied sexually. This is actually the storms figurative meaning. Calixta says "if this helps to keep up, dieu sait if the leaves goin' to stan' it" (109). Calixta refers to the leaves outdoor to combat what is going on inside with her thoughts. Just like the storm outside only God understands exactly what will happen next.
It only becomes clear that she is using the leaves outside to portray what will happen if she comes after through with her wants. At this time in Louisiana, women are likely to remain faithful with their husbands. Having an affair is something that is known as unladylike and shameful. Calixta considers this surprise as an possibility to fulfill her dreams, and also as a struggle between how she'll be criticized for behaving upon them. Calixta is very aware of exactly what will happen if the people in the town will say if indeed they were to find out, but she is truly unsatisfied with her matrimony at this time.
The storm outside commences to intensify, reflecting the arousing desire between Calixta and Alcee. It appears as though she wants rest from the unhappy married life she is living. Similar to the forces driven naturally, Calixta will not resist Alcee's touch nor does she continue to hold back her dreams. "Avoid being frightened. Nothing can happen. . . There! Aren't you going to be calm?" Alcee says, assuring Calixta that she is not going to bear the consequences of her activities and nobody will find out that this affair that has occurred.
Calixta indeed done yearn for the enthusiasm that she actually is lacking with her partner. She explains the moments that she stocks with Alcee as "just like a white fire which penetrated and found response in depths of his own sensuous character that experienced never yet been come to" (110). Just like a storm, a power driven naturally, she is inept at handling her own wants as a surprise is at handling the problems it leaves on its avenue. Calixta draws in to the interest that has been absent from her relationship for such a long time.
Calixta is a prime example of what sort of person's wants, desires and needs can overpower what is right in society's eye. Calixta knew the results of her activities if she was to get found, but they were not enough to carefully turn her from that love that she frantically needed: Chopin gives information to "The growl of the thunder was distant and passing away. The rain defeat softly after the shingles, inviting these to drowsiness and sleeping. However they dare not yield" (110). As the storm subsided she also recognized the affair experienced come to an end, for Alcee acquired watered her garden just like the rain experienced done to the blossoms outside. "The rainwater was over; and sunlight was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems. He changed and smiled at her with a beaming face; and she raised her pretty chin in the air and laughed aloud" (111). Calixta is neither ashamed nor regretful for what has just happened. Instead, she is quite happy and she feels relieved. She has received something that she will not get with her spouse. The storm outside the house comes to a stop and sunlight begins to stand out as though it were refreshed naturally. When Bobinot comes back home, Calixta appears to be continuing her obligations as a better half. She makes the looks as if nothing has occurred Calixta does not have any intentions of ruining her relationship; because she actually is overwhelmed with delight at the go back of her family.
Kate Chopin's "The Surprise" is not simply about a terrible surprise that has swept the roads of Louisiana, but has a deeper more comprehensive meaning of an human's sexual desires. Calixta is the exemplory case of how women are much like men and also have desires that require to be fulfilled. During this time period, women were not supposed to action or even discuss their sexual area, yet Kate Chopin manages to do both in such a manner which means a lot more than what anyone expected. The surprise washes away the unhappiness Calixta had in her love-making starved relationship, and brought a new fulfillment into her life.
Harris, Sharon M. "The Surprise. " Magill's Study of American Literature, Revised Release (2007):Literary Reference Centre. EBSCO. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. /p>
Chopin, Kate. "The Storm. " Literature: An launch to Fiction, poetry, Episode and Writing. Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 6th Small ed. New York: Longman, 2010. Printing.
