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Kate Chopin writings are known for its realism and for its focus on the controversial issues of women. The Storm focuses on the issue of infidelity. I thought it interesting to break down the two male characters of The Storm, Bobinot and Alcee and the controversy that surrounds them. The story takes place during a tremendous storm, where when father (Bobinot) and child are away, the mother (Calixta) is left at home.
An old lover of Calixta, Alcee, appears and in the heat of a passionate storm makes love to Calixta. The description of the two men in this story, one boring one exciting, gives some insight on why the cheating occurred. They are two completely different men that share one common thread, their love for Calixta. The story begins with Bobinot and Bibi away from home with the storm approaching. Bobinot is very simple and doesnt seem to be worried about the storm. He shows lack of emotion when his son shows worry about his mother being alone in a dangerous storm: Mall be fraid, yes, he suggested with blinking eyes.
Shell shut the house. Maybe she got Sylvie help her this even, Bobinot responding reassuringly. No; she ent got Sylvie. Sylvie was help her yistiday, piped Bibi. (Chopin 769) Bobinot seems to have no sense of urgency where his wifes safety is involved, and the elusion becomes evident that their relationship falls considerably short of perfect. (Wooton) After the storm passes and the act of infidelity occurs, Bobinot returns home. He spends a great deal of time cleaning mud from the storm off him and Bibi, as if he would be scared if Calixta saw them dirty: He scraped the mud off Bibi's bare legs and feet with a stick and carefully removed all traces from his heavy brogans. Then, prepared for the worst the meeting with an over scrupulous housewife; they entered cautiously at the back door. (Chopin 772) Bobinot is very weak here.
He shows worry and fear of what would happen if he werent presentable to his wife. When he greets his wife, Bobinot's explanations and apologies which he had been composing all along the way (Chopin 772) is another sign of a weak husband. When Alcee enters the story, Calixta is struck right away by his presence. His voice and her own startled her as if from a trance, (Chopin 770) this is evidence of Calixta being excited over his presence. Alcee is very strong and aggressive. He is quick to console Calixta about her worries of the storm.
When Alcee becomes attracted to Calixta, he shows no fear to approach her and make his move toward her. He shows no sign of worry or is he uneasy about the situation that he is in. In Chopin's writing of the passion between Alcee and Calixta, Her firm elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright. (Chopin 771) This quote explains how Calixta had never experienced the type of love and passion she was receiving from Alcee, and never had it before from Bobinot. (Wooton) At the end of the story, Alcee writes a loving letter to his wife, explaining to her not to hurry home from her trip, which makes me think if Alcee will try to expand on the passionate encounter with Calixta. The act of infidelity that occurred is not condoned by Chopin, but rather explained in the story. Calixta in the heat of a tremendous storm and away from a somewhat boring and simple husband can lose her inhibitions and indulge in an exciting figure from the past. Bobinot, although a good father, doesnt seem to be fulfilling all of his wifes needs.
Alcee, not exactly the family man, takes risk and fulfills his desire of Calixta. The differences in the two men are apparent, but Calixta enjoys them both. Too bad she can only have one. Chopin, Kate. The Storm. Making Literature Matter.
John Schilb and John Clifford. Boston: Bedford, 2000. 769 - 772. Wooton, Michael J. Kate Chopin Web Page.
web /Academic / users /ady/HHRomanticism/Chopin / hp Chopin n. html Bibliography:
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Research essay sample on Act Of Infidelity Kate Chopin Calixta
