Oftentimes, great works of literature go unnoticed and unrecognized years to come. These works of literature are timeless no matter which generation receives them. "The Storm" is one such story in my opinion. The authors" use of the elements of nature and human characteristics to give the story a unique twist along with its untraditional ending is what makes this short story even more interesting.
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The first thing that is so striking about this story is the manner in which the author, Kate Chopin, uses imagery to set the mood. From the very first paragraph, suspense springs forth. As in the vivid description of the "sombre clouds that [are] rolling with sinister intention from the west, accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar." (p. 154) This inherent danger towards Bobinot and Bibi, two of the characters, soon gives way to a less threatening, almost calming, mood. Calixta, one of the main characters and Bobinots wife, feels "no uneasiness for their safety," as she sits at home sewing unaware of the approaching storm. (p. 155) Throughout the story, there are numerous instances where the author uses vivid concrete language to paint a picture of the mood. .
Within these first paragraphs as in the story itself, there are several distinct changes in the mood or tone of the story, which mimics the outward storm that is approaching. The author combines several underlying comparisons to compliment each other. The storm which is approaching, an approaching rider, and the sudden shifts in the story all share similar characteristics. It is soon apparent that the physical danger of the storm is just a prelude to a less apparent storm. The approaching rider, Alcee, a past love of Calixta and the other main character is forced into the home of Calixta by the storm where a comparable yet different storm unfolds. "They [do] not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of the elements [as the] abundance of her passion, penetrate[s] and [finds] response in depths of his own sensuous nature.