Analysis Of The Protagonist In "The Storm"

Analysis of the Protagonist “The Storm”

Kate Chopin is a well known short story author from the late 1800’s who often included sexually repressed women as the protagonist in her works. One story she wrote, “The Storm”, was never submitted for publication until after her death due to the sexual nature of not only the story, but the protagonist as well.

Calixta, the sexually repressed women in the short story “The Storm”, is a good wife and mother, but longs for more pleasure in her life. In the beginning of the story she is sewing some fabric without a noticeable care. She did not notice the approaching storm outside, but she could feel the intense heat and humidity which caused her to perspire excessively, and made her unbutton the top button of her blouse exposing her breast. When Calixta realized what was happening she rushed to gather clothes off the line, and was approached by a man from her past named Alcee whom made her nervous as well as ignited a fire deep inside. Here is where we get the first glimpse at how Calixta longed for passion in her life.

As the storm intensified Calixta and Alcee were forced inside. As they entered the sitting room her bedroom was visible and this caused her internal fire to grow hotter, however she also showed great concern for her husband and son who were away. Calixta suddenly got startled by the storm and accidently fell into Alcee’s’ arms where she expressed mounting concern about the storm. Alcee tried to calm her fears,

Calixta don’t be frightened. Nothing can happen. The house is too low to be struck, with so many tall trees standing about. (p.257)

Calixta was the type of women who quickly forgot about the storm outside, and turned her attention to her increasing sexual desires.

As she glanced up at him the fear in her liquid blue eyes had given place to a drowsy gleam that unconsciously betrayed a sensuous desire. He looked down into her eyes and there was nothing for him to do but to gather her lips into a kiss.