The Symbolism Of Chopin's 'The Storm'

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“The Storm” tells of an adulterous affair; the setting creates an environment appropriate to the topic. Further, Chopin uses the storm as a symbol of the affair. The exact year is not given, but it is likely that the story takes place in the late 1800s. It is in the Deep South, and Calixta, the wife of Bobinot and mother of four-year-old Bibi, is involved in an affair with Alcee, the husband of Clarisse. A fierce rainstorm is taking place. The onset of the storm, its climax, and its ending parallel various points in the affair of Calixta and Alcee. Chopin uses the storm as a device to advance the unfolding story.

As the narrative gets underway, Bobinot and Bibi are at a local grocery store. They are preparing to leave the store and see storm