The Power of Words in Kate Chopins "The Storm"

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The Power of Words in Kate Chopin’s “The Storm” In 1899 Kate Chopin published “The Storm”. The story revolves around two former loves that are trapped together in the home of Calixta, during a particularly bad storm. Through symbolism and foreshadowing, Chopin illustrates the fragile relationships between lovers. The storm comes to fruition when the two engaged in a passionate embrace, despite the fact that Calixta is married. The conflict of the story arises when Alcee arrives at the home of Calixta, his former love. Using the storm as symbolism Chopin foreshadows the impending storm of their relationship. Kate Chopin’s word usage and the descriptions of the characters lead the reader to feel sympathy for the two lovers and that their passion is something that cannot be helped. As the storm approaches Calixta is at home working while her husband Bobinot and son Bibi are out at the store. Bobinot points out the storm to Bibi by calling his attention to “certain somber clouds that were rolling with sinister intention from the west, accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar” (288). This description makes it obvious that this is a threatening, dangerous storm. The clouds are portrayed with a sort of consciousness, it is as though the storm is alive, rolling in with “sinister intention … accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar.” It is like a growling animal stalking its prey. Calixta stands at the window wiping away the moisture. Alcee joins her but as they look out the window the rain comes down in “sheets obscuring the view of far-off cabins and enveloping the distant wood in a gray mist” (290). The storm has obstructed their normal view of life; it has isolated them from the far-off cabins and distant wood, it is only Calixta and Alcee that remain. The “incessant” lightning strikes a tree in the field filling “all visible space with a blinding glare” and

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