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The Setting of Chopin’s “the Storm”

In: English and Literature

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The Setting of Chopin’s “The Storm” In “The Storm” Kate Chopin makes the setting an essential and entwined part of her action and ideas. The story focuses on the two main characters, Calixta and Alcee and their short love affair. The action is taking place in a small town in Louisiana where all of the characters live. The story is set in the late nineteenth century when adultery was not expected from anyone, as woman were considered to be innocent and faithful. The integration of setting and story can be followed in details about the storm itself, setting of the atmosphere/mood, and also the complexities of married status in the society. “The Storm” is not only the title of the short story, but it is also part of the main setting that is directly tied to the passion between Calixta and Alcee. As the storm gets stronger and louder, the two main characters begin to remember vivid physical flashbacks. The memories escalate into a sexual encounter. While the adultery was taking place the storm was breaking apart the house, as this action was damaging the characters marriage. Once the storm ended, "the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems” (Chopin). After not seeing each other for many years the storm brings Alcee and Calixta together and after the storm they have to go back to their own lives.
The atmosphere and the mood were set with the use of colors and other elements. The short story mainly takes place in Clarisse’s house in Louisiana, but it also includes a scene at Friedheimer’s store. The author includes many natural surrounding elements which included leaves, Chinaberry trees, nearby fields; living creatures such as the horse and the chickens; along with the summer season and the rainy weather. Calixta was described as having beautiful blue eyes, yellow hair, pomegranate red lips, and white neck. She is "as white as the couch she

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