Jane Doe
Professor Martin
English 1302-WW1
15 Oct. 2005
 “The Storm”
 
Passage:  “So the storm passes and every one is happy” (Chopin 1302).
 
Question: How does the storm symbolize the events that occur between Calixta and Alcee and the feeling that develop inside them?
Issue: Issue of symbolism.  The symbolism of the storm is clearly intended to mirror Calixta's vague but increasingly restless sexual passion longing to burst forth at the first opportunity. We find her at first unaware that the storm is coming, but conscious of the oppressive heat -- a discomfort that causes her to loosen her collar, partially baring the top of her breasts. As the storm intensifies, a gentleman named Alcee appears, asking for shelter on her porch.  The ferocity of the storm drives them inside the house, and Alcee helps Calixta stuff a piece of "bagging" under the door to keep out the rain. Clearly here they are sandbagging one storm outside -- the storm of society, which would be shocked to discover their secret -- but they are also shutting the storm of Calixta's forbidden passion up inside the house with them.
Critical Approach: New Criticism is the best approach because it focuses on the internal structure of “The Storm,” actual storm, and how it symbolizes passion and lust in the narrative.
Answer: The actual storm in this story symbolizes a surge of passion coming.  The story reveals that it had not rained like this in a while meaning that the passion had never been so high showing that Alcee and Calixta had not seen each other for some time and realized they still had feelings for each other.  The intense rain resembles the intense passion that is taking place inside the house for when the characters end their session the rain lightens up and the sun starts to come out meaning the storm is moving on.  Alcee and Calixta gradually get dressed and resume their previous life.