In Kate Chopin's short story "The Storm", we are introduced to two families: Calixta, Bobinot and Bibi; Alcee and Clarisse, and are asked to take a look at a moment in their lives during a severe storm. What parallels the storm as it builds to a climax and then recedes is an intimate passion between two past loves, Calixta and Alcee, but what does this moment of intimacy really mean to them and their families? We must first take a look at each family and get an understanding of how they relate to each as a family member. .
The father son relationship between Bobinot and Bibi appears to be one of a strong mutual trust and love for each other. As we are learning that there is a storm "rolling with sinister intention from the west" (32), we see how with great concern their safety is for one another. Bibi places "his little hand on his father's knee" (32) as to console him and protect him from the building storm. We also know that at home Calixta, who is busy with her homemaking "sewing furiously" (32), takes a moment to think about Bobinot and Bibi and has "no uneasiness for their safety" (32). She knows that together they are safe because of the strong bond they all share.
When we take a look at Alcee and his wife Clarisse, we only get a small window into their relationship, but enough to understand their deep love for one another as well. Alcee writes to his wife, "a loving letter" (35), to where she is vacationing in Biloxi to inform her to stay longer and enjoy being with her friends and the children. Alcee realizes that "their health and pleasure were the first things to be considered" (35) and will endure his separation from them in order to bring them happiness. Clarisse was "charmed" (35) to receive the letter from her husband, maybe this is the first time in a long time Clarisse has been able to see old friends and reminisce, she enjoys "the first free breath since her marriage" (35).
