Kate Chopin -- Short Fiction

Notes and Discussion Questions

"The Storm" (1898) -- Discussion Questions:

1. Discuss the way in which the storm imagery works in this story? Be sure to consider all sections, not just section II.

2. Discuss the relationship between Calixta and Alcee. Does Chopin prepare us for the adultery that occurs, or is it a surprise? Is the incident itself shocking, or is it only Chopin's explicit description that creates discomfort in the readers? Or is it something else?

3. Calixta is married: why does she do this? Alcee is married: why does he do this?

4. Why is Clarisse happy at the end of the story? How can everyone be happy at the end of the story? What does the author's attitude toward the adultery seem to be? Is there an overall "moral tone" to the story?

5. What is the central idea or theme? Is this story about sexual attractiveness? Is this story about being satisfied in a relationship (male-female)? Is this story about finding out who you are? Is this story about a feeling of "un-conquered-ness" or a conquest that's unresolved -- "they are so close to getting it" -- it has to be resolved -- they have to complete the scene -- he has to conquer her?

"The Storm" (1898) -- Reading Notes:

• Chopin's notebooks show that this story was written on July 18, 1898, just six months after she had submitted The Awakening to a publisher. As it subtitle indicates, it was intended as a sequel to "At the 'Cadian Ball." "The Storm" was apparently never submitted for publication and did not see print until the publication of Per Seyersted's edition of The Complete Works of Kate Chopin in 1969.

• Notice:

  • Temperature

  • Moisture

  • Description

  • Climax

  • Language to convey feeling