The Storm by Kate Chopin is a classic example of effective use of setting.
the author chooses a absolutely remarkable setting that not only highlights
the significance of the actions taking place during the story but also
accentuate the intensity of passion and emotions that the two characters
Calixta and Alcee share. This story takes place during a stormy night when
Calixta's husband Bobinot is away from home with his son and has not yet
returned. it appears that he has been caught in the storm. During this
night, her ex-lover comes to her place to seek shelter and as is usually
common in such situations, Calixta is drawn to Alcee who is also a married
man by now. Both renew their passion with the storm raging outside. The
setting is tied to their passion and emotions because as the storm gets
intense, so does the passion between the couple. "While the storm burst. It
shook the wooden store and seemed to be ripping great furrows in the
distant field" (Chopin, 96), and also again "The rain beat on the low,
shingled roof with a force and clatter that threatened to break an entrance
The setting thus plays an important role in conveying and illustrating the
passion of the couple and its changing level of intensity. Calixta and
Alcee were so caught in the moment that they simply didn't let their
marital status become a hurdle and this was clear from the way Chopin
described it, "They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of
the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms" (97). Setting has been
used to accentuate the intensity of their emotions and similarly it is also
used to show the end and waning of the passion. "The growl of the thunder
was distant and passing away. The rain beat softly on the shingles,
inviting them to drowsiness and sleep." (98)
Apart from the storm, the time these actions take place also signifies
something important. Night symbolizes dar
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