Journal entry# 31 Kate Chopin

Siu Faat Jimmy Wong
English 48b
February 29, 2008
Professor Lankford

Quote:

He went inside, closing the door after him. It was even necessary to put something beneath the door to keep the water out…So the storm passed and every one was happy.

Summary:

It is the last sentence found in “the storm” of Kate Chopin. It explains that every one felt great after “the storm” had passed.

Response:

I found that “the storm” in the story is playing a very important role. First of all, the storm caused the man who called Alcee Laballiere to go inside Calixta’s house. Secondly, “the storm” was serving as a metaphor in the story which had a very deep meaning beneath. The story showed that Calixta did not realize that the storm was coming, but she could only feel the oppressive heat from something. Because of the “heat” she felt, “she unfastened her white sacque at the throat” in order to make herself feel better. Actually, the heat reflected her longing sexual desire. After Alcee arrived, “the storm” drove them to go inside the house. At that time, they both felt that “it was even necessary to put something beneath the door in order to keep the water out”. Actually, both of them wanted to separate themselves from “the storm”. At this point, I found that “the storm” also acted as a moral value which was culturally adapted in the society and “the water” was just like the blame and accusation from the outside world. Since they didn’t want to shock the society and be scolded, they intended to use something to separate themselves from “the storm”. Moreover, at the same time, I think that Alcee also wanted to shut the sexual passion of Calixta inside the house and comforted Calixta. After they prepared a lot for a safer situation, they started to kiss and have sex which are basically not allowed by the society. While they were having sex, “the storm” started to increase outside. In my opinion, “the storm” was like threatening to break into the house and forced them not to have sex.

When Alcee was leaving, both of them were described with smiles on their faces. They seemed to appreciate that "the storm" had provided a great chance for them to meet in the house. They also appreciated that "the storm" had increased the time for her husband and son to come back home. After Calixta’s husband and son returned home, Calixta showed that she was so happy to see them. “Everyone [in the house] was happy” as if nothing bad has happened. All in all, I think that Kate Chopin intended to explain that adultery is not always harmful.