The Storm by Kate Chopin

The Ironic Storm

After reading "The Storm" by Kate Chopin, we see the irony not only in the title and the setting but in the internal soul of Calixta.

As the storm approaches suddenly in the sky, it also approaches without warning for Calixta. Unfortunately she was unable to lock up her heart as she did her house. Just like the storm outside, M'sieur Alcee rumbles into her house as well as into her heart. And as unpredictable the storm is, Alcee and Calixta are.

Ironically enough as the storm rolls and rages on, so does Calixta and Alcee. The feelings that Calixta had hidden for so many years bolted through like a streak of lightning out of a dark cloud in the storm. It was if they had never been apart. It was if they were two lacking souls looking for fulfillment, looking to be drenched with love and companionship. There passion grew and got stronger just like the storm; winds blowing, body's clashing, rain pounding, as well as hearts beating.

Of course just like every storm must end, so must Alcee and Calixta. Although they've done it once before it doesn't make it any easier. Calixta is torn between the love of her soul and the love of her family. Does she move with this storm and never have to worry about the drought of loneliness her heart feels without him or does she settle for the life she has always been accustomed to? Just as the storm needing to move on so does Alcee. Alcee leaves Calixta, just like the storm leaves the town, with nothing left but damages to fix and cleanup. Calixta knows what needs to be done and slowly begins once again the long process of cleaning up her heart and feelings. Knowing that sooner or later there's bound to be another storm ripping through both the town and maybe someday her heart as well.