In the short story "The Storm" the major components that are emphasized are plot, character, and setting. These components work together in order to make the reader visualize life from the characters" point of view. The author, Kate Chopin, tells the story in a unique way that helps the reader understand the main characters" attitudes. The title of the story, "The Storm", has a twofold meaning. An actual storm that takes place in the remote Louisiana country sets off a chain of events that contributes to the passionate storm that occurs between the two main characters.
The events that make up the plot begin when bad weather forces Bobinot and his son, Bibi, to remain at the store until it passes. This leaves Bobinot's wife, Calixta, home alone. The bad weather also forces Alcee, Calixta's old boyfriend, to seek shelter under her gallery. As a result of the driving rain, Alcee and Calixta went inside the house. A loud burst of thunder sent startled Calixta staggering backwards into Alcee's arms. The physical contact between the two "aroused all the old-time infatuation and desire for her flesh" (97). They gave in to temptation "that unconsciously betrayed a sensuous desire" (97). Soon afterward, the storm passes and Alcee was on his way. Bobinot and Bibi return home where Calixta was preparing supper. She "seemed to express nothing but satisfaction at their safety" (98) and pretended that everything was just fine. That night, Alcee wrote a letter to his wife, Clarisse, telling her not to hurry back from her vacation in Biloxi. Clarisse was glad to receive her husband's letter, and was willing to stay where she was. .
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The locale is set in the southern Louisiana countryside; this is shown from the dialect that is used throughout the story. The setting is a very important factor in this story. Because it was set in an isolated area, where there was little chance of being disturbed, the main characters had the opportunity to be alone where their desires surfaced.
