In this short story, Kate Chopin uses the setting to edify her theme of adultery. The growing storm outside parallels Calixta's restless sexual passion trapped within. Alcee is forced to take refuge from the passing storm in Calixta's house and while he is there the two make love while Calixta's husband and son wait out the storm at the local store. Chopin implies the theme that is; adultery can be good and not result in negative consequences. .
Throughout the story constant subtle comparisons are made between the actual storm outside and the storm from within. The first reference is when we are told that Calixta "was greatly occupied and did not notice the approaching storm". This could also be implying that she felt comfortable with her life style, such that it was, and did not suspect that anything was wrong. As we go on we are told that "Alcee Laballiere rode in at the gate". "She had not seen him very often since her marriage, and never alone and the big rain drops began to fall." The big raindrops could also be construed as tears as a result of true feelings being expressed when she did finally see him alone. .
The first notion of adultery is hinted at soon after Calixta invites him into the gallery. This is when the setting begins to change and we are led to believe that Calixta might have feelings for Alcee as we were told that "his voice and her own startled her as if from a trance". Shortly after that Alcee's feelings also begin to show as he seems to be exploring Calixta's body and describes her as "a little fuller of figure than five years before when she married" and that "her blue eyes still retained their melting quality". .
As the storm outside continues to intensify, so does the one from within as Calixta "went and stood at the window with a greatly disturbed look on her face". This set the stage for the inevitable as a bolt of lightening strikes a tree and Calixta "staggered backward" into Alcee's arms and "for an instant he drew her close and spasmodically to him".