The Storm by Kate Chopin

“So the storm passed and everyone was happy” (259). This is the last line of the “The Storm” by Kate Chopin. I liked the way this story ended because usually an adulterous affair is not a happy ending. Of course one doesn’t know if Claxita and Alcee’s spouses ever find out about the affair but based on the fact that I don’t know I won’t assume they ever did.

The storm outside helps set the scene for the storm about to go on inside the house. The approaching rain brings Alcee to Claxita’s house. The chinaberry tree gets pulverized by lighting and scares Claxita right into Alcee’s arms. The raging weather doesn’t faze these two and only adds to their excitement. “They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms” (257).

I find part III of the story might have been the only evidence that Bobinot had that something might be awry because he fully expected Claxita to be angry at his absence during the storm, yet she was not. He even brought her shrimp to appease his late arrival.

The affair between Alcee and Claxita probably would not have happened had it not been for the storm bringing their desires to the surface. But, so as the storm released what it could no longer hold in so did Alcee and Claxita’s reunion and both passed away leaving a rejuvenated feeling behind.