In the short story "The Storm" Chopin addresses the woman's sexual desire in an absolutely unusual and revolutionary way, considering the historical context and socio-cultural in which the story is set. Taking place in Louisiana in the late 1800's, the story portrays an extramarital encounter between Calixta, married to Bobinot and mother of the four-year-old Bibi, and Alcée, husband to Clarisse, during a violent storm. The storm creates a perfect opportunity for the old lovers to freely live the passion that years before had not found full rein. Moreover, the storm symbolizes not only the intense passion that suddenly breaks out between two lovers but also the rising of feminism.
The outspoken and natural style in which the author describes the encounter subverts the traditional view of woman and reflects the wind of change which has its roots …show more content…
In fact, the conjugal life of Calixta was certainly not satisfactory, as suggested by these lines, "Her firm elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright, was like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world." Overall, the story depicts an encounter experienced with extreme naturalness and even and a disarming purity. In doing so, the author reaffirms the women's right to express their freedom to experience physical pleasure also outside of marriage. It must be remembered that in those days, and I would say even today, sexual freedom and adultery is socially tacitly accepted only in the male
The outspoken and natural style in which the author describes the encounter subverts the traditional view of woman and reflects the wind of change which has its roots …show more content…
In fact, the conjugal life of Calixta was certainly not satisfactory, as suggested by these lines, "Her firm elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright, was like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world." Overall, the story depicts an encounter experienced with extreme naturalness and even and a disarming purity. In doing so, the author reaffirms the women's right to express their freedom to experience physical pleasure also outside of marriage. It must be remembered that in those days, and I would say even today, sexual freedom and adultery is socially tacitly accepted only in the male