Introduction
Kate Chopin was a woman who wrote from the female perspective. Most of her works were written in the late 1800s, when writing about female sexuality was practically unheard of. Although her works were probably read because of curiosity at that time, she received a lot of negative criticism. Long after her death, her works were rediscovered and praised for their “independence of mind and feeling” (Columbia Encyclopedia, p8277). Two of her most controversial works are examined here: “The Storm” and “The Story of an Hour.”
“The Story of An Hour”
This story was written in 1894 while Chopin lived in St. Louis. Previously, she had resided in New Orleans with her husband and six children. Upon his death, she moved herself and her children to St. Louis, where she began to write. During the lifetime of Chopin, women had few rights and were under the control of their husbands. It is from this perspective that Chopin wrote this story.
“The Story of An Hour” is about a woman who awaits the return of her spouse from a trip when word comes that there has been an accident. It is further reported that her spouse has been killed in that accident. The woman responds as any would, that has lost a loved one, she sobs and goes to her room. It is there that she slowly becomes aware of a change. Her thoughts are moulded by the view of the “tops of trees that were all aquiver with new spring life” (“The Story of An Hour”).
It is the trees that invite the thought about a possible new beginning or change in this woman’s life. The woman sits quietly, with an occasional sob, as she ponders her future. The seriousness of her situation is expressed in the sentence that states: “It was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought” (“The Story of An Hour”). She seems to slowly recognize something that is “too subtle and elusive to name” (“The Story of An Hour”).
It is the spring air coming in through the window that attaches meaning to her elusive thoughts. The woman realizes that she is free from the subjugation that comes with marriage at that time in history. She repeats over and over that one word, “free”. The story acknowledges that she will, in fact, miss and mourn the passing of her spouse, but she is comforted believing that she will live now “for herself” (“The Story of An Hour”).
She is struck by the sound of the words and repeats the realization that she is “free! Body and soul free!” (“The Story of An Hour”). She relished the thought of being free, and the smell of the spring air coming in through the window encourages the thoughts and realizations. She is prompted to open the door and accompany her sister down the stairs. During the descent, the front door is unlocked, and a man enters…it is her husband.
In one instant, the realization that she is not free enters her mind, and she wails a “piercing cry” (“The Story of An Hour”). The story ends with the sudden death of the woman upon seeing her husband. The last sentence tells of what the others thought: “When the doctors came, they said she had died of heart disease—of the joy that kills.” (“The Story of An Hour”). But, the reader knows that her joy has been taken away.
“The Storm”
“The Storm” was written in 1898 and reflects Chopin’s experiences from living in New Orleans. After reading the story, one can see that it is, in fact, about two storms: the actual storm and the storm that is the sexual passion between Calixta and Alcee.
The story begins with father and son making the decision to wait out the storm in town while Calixta sews by the window. The story points out Calixta’s reality as a married woman caring for her family by mentioning all the different chores she is trying to accomplish. A former love, Alcee, happens by and asks permission to take cover with Calixta. It is here that the second “storm” begins. Calixta is startled by lightning hitting a tree and falls back into Alcee’s arms. He responded by drawing her “close and spasmodically to him” (“The Storm, part two”). They both release themselves from the hold but are quickly drawn back to each other as he comforts her with “don’t be frightened, nothing can happen” (“The Storm, part two”).
It is this comforting statement that has a two-fold meaning. The actual storm won’t hurt the house, and the brewing sexual storm won’t hurt them either. As the storm outside rages on, the storm inside continues as well. Neither Calixta nor Alcee fought the passion that drew them together. Chopin uses metaphors to describe the interaction between the two. “Her mouth was a fountain of delight” and “with his heart beating like a hammer upon her” (“The Storm, part two”) are two examples of metaphors that Chopin used.
Part three of this story finds both storms passing away. Chopin describes their departure with a scene-setting sentence: “the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems” (“The Storm, part three”). Both Alcee and Calixta regard each other and smile as they part ways. Both individuals return to the reality that is their lives. Calixta happily welcomes husband and son home with an inspection of their current state (dry despite the rain) talks of the “feast-night!” (“The Storm, part three”). when presented with the can of shrimp brought home by her husband.
Part four of the story tells of Alcee writing his wife a loving letter and letting her know that she can stay in Biloxi another month and that “he was willing to bear the separation a while longer” (“The Storm, part four”). This part gives the reader the impression that Alcee’s passion has been satisfied enough to last him another month of separation from his wife. In part five, Alcee’s wife Clarissa tells of a “devoted wife” (“The Storm, part five”) that was not ready to go home just yet. It is here that the story ends.
Works Cited
Bartee, Joanna. “The Storm”: More than Just a Story. Web.
Kennedy, X.J. and Dana Gioia. “An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. 5th Compact Edition.