Symbolism In Kate Chopin's 'The Storm'

In the opening of Kate Chopin 's “The Storm” the author describes the anticipation of a severe storm, defining it as “sombre clouds that were rolling with sinister intention from the west, accompanied by a sullen roar” (270). However as the storm is brewing, she details the characters emotions as “not afraid,” or “no uneasiness”( 270 Chopin). The subject matter that the author portrays to the reader is that, in the hindrances of traditional marriages, one must find freedom in ways that others may find unconventional such as an extramarital affair and in this case, the author represents this freedom as a storm that may seem destructive at first glance, but ultimately harmless. The first, and most obvious symbol Chopin uses is the actual storm. Aside from creating a setting, storms traditionally represent, interruptions with negative effects. Contrary to this …show more content…
A color that she uses frequently is white, which typically symbolizes purity or innocence. Chopin details the bed as “white” and “monumental” along with the couch and even Calixta 's neck with “liquid blue eyes” and lips “as red and moist as a pomegranate seed” (271). The author seems to portray the marriage as lack-luster as their home, yet showing innocence and attractiveness of Calixta and Alcee 's affair. The author also describes their home as “dim mysterious chamber” yet describes their relation as a “white flame” (272 Chopin). After the storm ended, the author used colors to detail a positive renewal in Alcee and Calixta 's life. “The rain was over, the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems” (272 Chopin). It 's clear to the reader, that the author wants to create a different perspective to affairs outside of marriage with a different ending. “Chopin depicts sex as liberating and enjoyable. Indeed, for Calixta, adultery with Alcée is more satisfying than sex with her husband;”