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What is the setting of "The Storm" by Kate Chopin? Why is it important to the story?

The setting of “The Storm” by Kate Chopin plays a central role in the story in much the way a character would. The story, which was written in 1898, takes place in a small, southern Louisiana town. While the protagonist Calixta’s husband and young son are forced to wait out a strong thunderstorm in the local store, she is left alone in her small home. The child worries about his mother.



They were at Friedheimer's store and decided to remain there till the storm had passed. They sat within the door on two empty kegs. Bibi was four years old and looked very wise.



Her husband buys her a treat of canned shrimp for their dinner in case she needs soothing.



Bobint arose and going across to the counter purchased a can of shrimps, of which Calixta was very fond.



As she sits at her sewing machine, Calixta is oblivious to the impending storm until the winds begin to whip.



She sat at a side window sewing furiously on a sewing machine. She was greatly occupied and did not notice the approaching storm.



She runs out to take in the washing so her husband’s clothing does not get wet. While she is outside her former acquaintance, Alce Laballire, appears and the storm forces him into her home. The storm plays a catalyst to their repressed sensual emotions. The author describes the scene in the small house pointing out the large white bed as a central focal point for what is to happen next.



The door stood open, and the room with its white, monumental bed, its closed shutters, looked dim and mysterious.



Chopin describes the ferocity of the storm as the two consummate their unrequited love with fearless abandon. The close quarters of the home, and storm allow the couple, although married to others, to respond to deep-seated sexual needs. As the storm abates, their tryst comes to an end.


Meanwhile, Calixta is in an uncharacteristically jovial mood as she welcomes her husband and son home after the storm passes.



"Oh, Bobint! You back! My! But I was uneasy. W'ere you been during the rain? An' Bibi? he ain't wet? he ain't hurt?" She had clasped Bibi and was kissing him effusively. Bobint's explanations and apologies which he had been composing all along the way, died on his lips as Calixta felt him to see if he were dry, and seemed to express nothing but satisfaction at their safe return.



Her lover returns to his home where he writes a letter to his wife telling her it is acceptable for her to stay away for a while longer.



Alce Laballire wrote to his wife, Clarisse, that night. It was a loving letter, full of tender solicitude. He told her not to hurry back, but if she and the babies liked it at Biloxi, to stay a month longer. He was getting on nicely; and though he missed them, he was willing to bear the separation a while longerrealizing that their health and pleasure were the first things to be considered.



In her small home, the storm within her has passed as Calixta is a woman fulfilled by a chance, passionate sexual act. After the storm, nature is renewed and glowing as are the lovers who move seamlessly back into their roles in the sleepy Louisiana town.

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