Close Reading of “The Storm” by Kate Chopin Authors use symbols to represent ideas, emotions or state of minds. In The Storm by Kate Chopin, the storm itself is the major symbol within the text. The storm is a form of foreshadowing for events will occur during and after the storm. It also symbolizes a building and release of tension, and a change in atmosphere. The storm functions as foreshadowing because of the characters own interpretation of the storm, which is then reflected in the events that follow. While the storm is occurring it allows two lovers release many years of tension and that allows for peace after the storm. Chopin utilizes the storm in the beginning and end of the text, making the storm a physical representation of foreshadowing. …show more content…
“Calixta, at home, felt no uneasiness for their safety. She sat at a side window sewing furiously on a sewing machine. She was greatly occupied and did not notice the approaching storm” (Chopin 2). Before the storm Calixta was occupied with housework like sewing, which caused her to not notice the approaching storm. Meaning she did not experience the same threatening sensation as her husband. When she did realize the storm was here she hurried around the house to close all windows and doors. Before Calixta stayed inside the house she went to collect Bobint Sunday clothes from the clothing line. “She stood there with Bobint's coat in her hands, and the big rain drops began to fall. Alce rode his horse under the shelter of a side projection where the chickens had huddled and there were plows and a harrow piled up in the corner” (Chopin 2). While Calixta was standing outside with Bobint Sunday clothes she saw her previous lover standing outside her house. This lead to a sinister release of tension between the two lovers brought together by the …show more content…
“The rain was over; and the sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems” (Chopin 3). Here we see everything went back to normal after the storm and seems even brighter than before. This notion is reflected within the characters because they also change in a more positive away after the storm. “He turned and smiled at her with a beaming face; and she lifted her pretty chin in the air and laughed aloud” (Chopin 3). Before the storm the interaction between the two lovers it was awkward and tense, but after the storm that changed into a more loving connection between the