Write a short essay (750 words) that defends a thesis What general attitudes toward sex, love, and marriage does Chopin imply in “The Storm”? Cite evidence from the story to support your answer.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Attitudes Toward Sex, Love, and Marriage in “The Storm” by Kate Chopin
Introduction
Kate Chopin’s short story, “The Storm,” delves into complex themes surrounding sex, love, and marriage. Through the interactions of the characters and the unfolding narrative, Chopin implies certain general attitudes toward these aspects of human relationships. This essay aims to explore and defend the attitudes portrayed in “The Storm” through a close analysis of the characters’ behaviors and emotions.
Thesis Statement
In “The Storm,” Kate Chopin suggests that passion and desire can transcend societal norms and expectations regarding sex, love, and marriage, emphasizing the importance of individual fulfillment and connection over traditional constraints.
Attitudes Toward Sex
In “The Storm,” the character of Calixta engages in a passionate affair with Alcée during a sudden storm, highlighting a liberated attitude towards sexual desire. Chopin portrays sex as a natural and powerful force that can bring two individuals together in a moment of intense connection. The storm itself serves as a metaphor for the unleashed passion between Calixta and Alcée, symbolizing the breaking of conventional boundaries.
Calixta’s uninhibited response to her sexual desires challenges the traditional view of women’s roles in society, suggesting that personal fulfillment and emotional satisfaction are paramount. The text describes their encounter as “the crash [of] the rain upon the roof” and “the roar of the elements” signifying the intensity and rawness of their physical union.
Attitudes Toward Love
Chopin implies a nuanced perspective on love in “The Storm,” where the characters navigate between societal expectations and personal connections. While Calixta’s love for her husband, Bobinôt, is evident through her concern for his safety during the storm, her passionate reunion with Alcée complicates the notion of fidelity and devotion within marriage.
The story suggests that love can be multifaceted, encompassing both duty and desire. Calixta’s love for Bobinôt is rooted in familiarity and family life, while her love for Alcée represents a more spontaneous and passionate bond. Chopin portrays love as a dynamic force that can evolve and manifest in unexpected ways, challenging rigid definitions and boundaries.
Attitudes Toward Marriage
Through the characters’ interactions and choices, Chopin explores unconventional attitudes toward marriage in “The Storm.” While Calixta is portrayed as a devoted wife and mother, her affair with Alcée raises questions about the nature of marital commitment and fulfillment. The narrative suggests that marriage does not necessarily confine individuals to predetermined roles or relationships.
Chopin implies that marriage should not be viewed as a restrictive institution but rather as a dynamic partnership based on mutual respect and understanding. The characters’ actions reveal a willingness to explore their desires and emotions outside conventional marital norms, emphasizing the importance of personal agency and emotional connection in relationships.
Conclusion
In “The Storm,” Kate Chopin challenges traditional attitudes toward sex, love, and marriage by depicting characters who navigate their desires and emotions in a nuanced and complex manner. The story suggests that passion and connection can transcend societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of individual fulfillment and emotional authenticity in human relationships. Through Calixta’s affair with Alcée and the exploration of love within marriage, Chopin invites readers to reconsider conventional notions of intimacy and commitment. “The Storm” serves as a poignant exploration of human desires, complexities, and the enduring power of love in all its forms.
