Kate Chopin is a well-known novelist who explores themes of gender roles, societal conventions, and social expectations in the late nineteenth century. "The Storm" and "The Cadian Ball," two of her short stories, are wonderful examples of how she confronts these topics through her writing. Both novels are set in Louisiana in the late 1800s and provide insight into the social and cultural expectations of the time. Chopin's use of the theme of social class accomplishes her goal to highlight the impact of social class on the characters in her stories and to explore the broader social and cultural contexts that influence her writing.
In "The Storm," Chopin delves into the subject of sexuality and its function in social interactions. Calixta, a married woman, had a brief affair with
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The storm is also used to represent the societal rules and expectations that limited women's sexuality during the period. Chopin depicts Calixta as a woman confined by her roles as a wife and mother, and her brief affair with Alcee represents a rebellion against these restraints. The storm represents the power of passion and desire, which overcomes the societal norms and expectations that have suppressed Calixta's sexuality.
Furthermore, the storm also symbolizes the power dynamics between men and women in society. Chopin depicts Alcee as a man who has more freedom to express himself and pursue his impulses, whereas Calixta is constrained by her roles as a wife and mother. Chopin's affair questions traditional gender roles and expectations of the time, arguing that women should be free to express their sexuality without fear of society’s censure. Chopin examines the issue of class and social standing in "The Cadian Ball," as well as its impact on romantic relationships. The plot centers around two main characters who come from various social classes: Alcee and Calixta's cousin, Clarisse. Chopin depicts Alcee as a wealthy landowner, whereas Clarisse comes from a lower-class