“The storm” by kate chopin
The character of Calixta is the protagonist or main character of the story although she appears to be visible only in a few of the pages in the novel. However, the main bulk of her character comes from her personal point of view about love and life. I have chosen the character of Calixta because of her mysterious character that was slowly revealed until the end of the story. Calixta’s character is interesting because there more to her than what meets the eye.
In the beginning, the audience perceives Calixta’s character to be ordinary in the sense that she is only normal housewife for keeping her home exceptionally clean. As a home maker, she is best in everything that she does when it comes to sewing, washing dishes, laundry, cleaning the house, and cooking food for her family. She is a dutiful wife to her husband Bobinot and a good mother to their son Bibi. She always wants to keep the house spick and span that drives both her husband and son worried every time they come home for fear that they might bring mud and dirt inside the house. Such conclusion can be seen under Section 4 of the book which mentions that Bobinot and Bibi are careful not to get Calixta upset by not dragging mud inside the house every time they come home. Calixta is a super woman in their home because she performs a good deal of household chores even if they have a maid at home named Sylvie.
The story also mentions that Calixta is gifted with physical attributes for her beautiful face and body. Even if she is married and has a child of her own, she was able to maintain her figure which made her attractive. This was the same reason that even her old flame Alcee felt attracted to her even if they had parted ways for more than five years she still looks attractive.
Even if she added a few pounds to her figure which made a bit fuller than five years ago before she got married, her vigor and flare did not fade. She is still beautiful with her blue eyes that can melt any person she stared. Her flowing soft yellow blonde hair despite being disheveled by the wind and rain made her even more attractive not only in the eyes of her husband, but made Alcee want more of her. She is a lively soul that can awaken every person around her. Although Calixta’s character was more physically emphasized in the story, the author also gave a glimpse of her beautiful soul.
Although she may appear to be happy and contented with her married life, Calixta feels that she is missing something to keep her fire alive. It will seem that getting married has made her grounded to see things in a different perspective. Additionally, she did not lose the qualities which made her unique and one of a kind in so many ways. One of which is the power to captivate the hearts of people around her, even her old flame Alcee seemed to notice it that he gave in to his sexual desire to possess Calixta even if she was already married.
During the storm, Calixta portrayed to role of a good wife and mother when she was worried for the welfare of Bibi and Bobinot who were trapped in the store. However, the storm also became the opportunity for her to awaken her sexual desires that she had long been ignoring. As a wife, she did everything to please her husband by taking care of their child and making him coffee and supper. Women during the 19th century played the role of a home maker, keeping the house clean, raising the children and tolerating their husbands’ carnal desires (Krauss, 2005, p.1). However, they also neglect the women’s own sexual desires. Calixta was worried for the safety of her husband and child during the storm. She found comfort in the arms of Alcee where she felt secured and safe wrapped in his arms as they both ignored the storm and fell to their carnal desires.
The character of Calixta in story of “The Storm” represents the role of women and femininity. The story focused on the role of a wife and a mother. Although, these two terms may appear to be similar because they represent the female gender, who love the same man, care and rear for their families, there is more to that because women also have their sexual needs and desires that have to be satisfied. Just like the character of Calixta, she was once single and free, and there was a point in her life that wanted to seek fulfillment that can only be provided by her sexual partner. It is a natural instinct for a woman to find pleasure in sexual intercourse. However, when a woman gets married, she no longer has own voice and become submissive to her husband and to fulfill his carnal desires, but not her own. The traditional role of women is to become domesticated as seen during the late 19th century (Krauss, 2005). In other words, even though there are several women who appeared to be contended with their domesticated roles and were stuck in their homes, there was still something missing in their lives that even their husbands cannot provide them. This was the same case of Calixta, who fulfilled her sexual satisfaction with her former boyfriend Alcee.
It was obvious that Calixta still has fond feelings for Alcee when she invited her in their home and wait until the storm has calmed before leaving. She felt excited when she saw him enter the house. During the storm, she felt Alcee’s embrace was warm and reassuring that she finally gave in to her sexual desires and ended up having the best sex of her life. Although their brief encounter was only fleeting, she was contented to have experienced everything she has hoped for after all those years. Both Calixta and Alcee felt extreme physical happiness when they were together that night and it only shows that they are unhappy with their respective marriages. Even if they had experienced pure pleasure when they were together, they still had to return to their families and live normal lives as if nothing happened. The story shows that Calixta is a victim of circumstance and that the world may be cruel to her. However, it was good to have experienced such happiness than not to have experienced it at all. It appears that Calixta loves her husband Bobinot and does not want to hurt him. She was worried for his safety when she was out in the storm and happy and relieved to see him return unharmed after the storm.
Towards the end of the story, Calixta’s character remained story and untouched emotionally by her sexual tryst with Alcee. It only shows that she still considered her family as the most valuable possession she had and she will never do anything to hurt them. Calixta was a selfless woman who will do anything to keep her loved ones happy and set aside her own happiness. The sexual encounter of Alcee and Calixta has only made her stronger as she held her head up high and faced the world. Alcee awakened her sexuality, which is a part of Calixta that she never knew exists.
Analysis of the Kate Chopin’s short Story, “A Respectable Woman”
Kate Chopin’s, “A Respectable Women”, is one of the short pieces that she applies to exonerate various issues with the American social and cultural context. In fact, the story is anchored on gender attribute and relationships between male and female, but invokes intricate themes like perception, appearance, identity, freedom, and desire (Stein 36). All these elements are critical to a relationship among people of opposite sexes in a society that has diverse social and cultural preoccupations.
This story is centered between Mrs Baroda and Gouvernail, who are set to have a date, but have never met before. The incidence could be termed as a blind date, but the author’s attention is center on gender relationship, and responsiveness American culture to love and romance. While Mrs. Baroda is preoccupied with thoughts about the Gouvernail’s exact identity, she seems to be overwhelmed by thoughts about the stranger’s identity and even goes ahead to make certain declarations of what to do when they eventual meet (Stein 37). In this context, Chopin is very keen to exonerate the American culture regarding relationships as not only controlled by emotions, but by perception. In fact, a perceived notion can make a lady fall in love with a man she never interacted with, or might lead to a discerned love between potential lovebirds. The American society is such dynamic, and highly construed by perceptions. Therefore, the reaction by Mrs. Baroda to her first date is reflective of American women, who regarded physical appearance of men alongside other qualities. Initially, Mrs. Baroda had imagined of meeting a tall, slim, cynical, and attested that she would not have any positive feeling for him.
The power of perception against the reality determines a perceived mindset. Contrary to Mrs Baroda’s perception about Gouvernail, the situation tilts and she likes him a lot. Instead of the perceived discontent, and brewing rebellion in her soul, Mrs. Baroda turns a tender soul and glues to this man, who she realizes as handsome and very affectionate (Toth 279). The extent of physical appearance is a reality in the American culture, and every woman would like to associate with a handsome and affectionate man.
Other than imagination, the precept of positivity to the American culture is exhibited in the story, “A Respectable Woman.” Mrs. Baroda is a representative of women, and endears the mainstream American values that halts and controls her emotions. In fact, Mrs’ Baroda liked the appearance of Gouvernail, but could not touch his face. The physical restrain held by Mrs. Baroda is an indication that American women were constrained by cultural values, and could not betray the cultural predisposition that held their relationship with men. In fact, the American values on morality were very strict and propelled women to a form of self-respect. Therefore, American women have a deeper self-respect to their bodies, and would not allow their emotions betray their cultural predisposition. Indeed, the context of social liberty comes in as Mrs. Baroda restraints from touching Gouvernail’s face. Thus, the author was keen to illustrate the knowledge about the American culture as restrictive upon women.
“The Story of an Hour”
One of Kate Chopin’s most notable literary works is her story, “The Story of an Hour”. Even though Kate Chopin tried to explore various issues in the story, the most conspicuous theme is gender. Moreover, Kate was known to be offering crucial teachings to the American society through her literary genres, “The Story of an Hour,” qualifies to be among her stories that had significant impact to the society. From its very onset, it subtly touches on the American society through the various issues it addresses, however, the way she articulates the theme of love and love is quite interesting (Lawrence 45).
However, from Louise’s thoughts, we get to know that she was really oppressed by her now late husband Brently. Upon receiving the news of her husband’s demise, she walks to the room where she locks herself to cry. However, what emerges from her is completely different, although there were a few drops of tears from her eyes, they finally turn out to be joyous celebration (Lawrence 47). As for that reason, she sits all by herself and starts to feel emotions build in her, not emotions of grief but a shy of relief. As these emotions continue to build up, she finds herself shouting the word “free.” It’s quite unimaginable to hear a woman celebrate the death of her husband, however, for Louise; it was necessary considering the oppressive situations she had gone through in the hands of her husband.
Louise’s story is an interesting story that heavily impacted on American society. As for the normal everyday life in America, women were supposed to be oppressed by their men. They were seen as lesser human beings whose major roles was to guide and keep their homes well. From Kate’s story, American men got to know the importance of giving women their rights.
“Desiree’s Baby”
In relation to the story “Desiree's Baby," women are depicted to be compassionate and caring people despite the circumstances at hand. Madame Valmonde, who was the mother of Desiree, was filled with love and care accepted and brought up Desiree as her own child despite the fact that she adopted her. Moreover, she visits her daughter after she conceived, which is a manifestation of love is and care. Later, Madame Valmonde was troubled when she learnt about the bad attitude and behaviour of Armand Aubigny, her daughter’s husband (Gibson 4). Armand Aubigny was cruel and ruthless to his wife because she gave birth to a black child. Madame Valmonde concern made her to accept Desiree back even though, she was already married and her background was in question.
On the other hand, Desiree is also perceived as a romantic story depicting the American love. As a wife, she loves her husband and she is faithful and truthful to him. She withstood all the pain and the bad treatment she got from her husband in order to protect her marriage. She also loves her child irrespective, of his skin color. The motherly love depicted in the story is a manifestation of the love women have for their family in the society.
The natural beauty of woman is also highlighted in the story. Desiree is soft, light skinned naturally beautiful. She is adorned in soft white Muslim laces which bring out the beauty within her. She is said to be very quiet and does not move an inch. Armand Aubigny on the other hand, is slightly darker than Desiree but very handsome.
Armand Aubigny is portrayed to be very discriminatory and cruel. Due to the fact that he was from a royal aristocratic family, he regarded black people to be from a cursed race and considered white people to be more superior. He believed that black people were uncivilized, illiterate, and were only created to become slaves (Gubar 209). Therefore, having a black child would have brought disgrace and shame to him and the entire family.
It was for this reason that Armand Aubigny accused his wife for being responsible for the black child. He therefore, changed his attitude towards his wife and even the innocent child; a phenomenon that led to the separation of the two. Ironically, the loss of his only child and wife did not seem to bother him because the child was black in color.
The cruel behaviour of Armand Aubigny is portrayed by the nature at which he treats his servants. He is rude to them, and scorns them for very minor mistakes. Their previous relationship with Desiree had concealed the evil and malicious side of him. However, he later learnt that he was responsible for the black color of the child when he read a letter from his mother notifying him that she was half black half white. This was a shade too late because the damage had already been made, and Desiree had already left, carrying along her baby. His cruel and ill-mannered judgment made him to lose the love of his life, despite the love he had for her. Such discriminatory attitude is rampant in the American society where black people are often insulted and even physically abused because of their skin color (Gubar 210).
The small child was however, a victim of circumstances. He suffered rejection by his father and he was forced to leave their home with his mother. As a result, the small child is forced to be brought up by one parent despite all his parents being alive. These circumstances may impact negatively on the child’s behaviour. The child was born black, a characteristic that neither his parents were responsible for, but he was the one to bear the greatest responsibility.
Reference, &, Works Cited
Gibson, Julie R. Societal Constructed Women in Kate Chopin's "desiree's Baby" and the Awakening. , 2004. Print.
Gubar, Susan. Racechanges: White Skin, Black Face in American Culture. Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA, 2000. Print.
Krauss, K. (2005). Kate Chopin –“The Storm of The Storm”. University of North Texas: Texas.
Lawrence, Berkove. Fatal Self-Assertion in Kate's Chopin's The story of An Hour. New Jersey, NJ: American Literary Realism Publishers, 2000, Print.
Stein, Allen F. Women and Autonomy in Kate Chopin's Short Fiction. New York [u.a.: Lang, 2005. Print.
Toth, Emily. Kate Chopin. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1993. Print.
