The Storm of Emotions Usually a storm creeps up on us, reaches a bright climax and then vanishes into thin air. In The Storm, Kate Chopin develops a parallel between a thunderstorm and an emotional storm in a woman's life. Chopin uses symbolism to describe the feelings of relationships that are as unpredictable as those of a raging storm. In the time frame in which this story is set, many important life decisions are made with one's duty to family in mind, including selecting a husband or wife. It is possible that each of these couples was not in love when their vows were said. They have a duty to society; they must not marry outside their social class. They have a duty to their family; they must not dishonor the family by not marrying. They have a duty towards themselves, they must not leave each other alone. If they marry because there is no other choice, or out of a sense of duty, they are unlikely to have a fulfilling relationship. It seems that Calixta and Bobinot are happy, and if they didn't love each other when they got married, then they learned to love each other as time went by. and Mrs. Laballiere seem happy, but their relationship seems to be missing something. There doesn't seem to be any closeness of any kind. Clarisse is quite happy to give up their intimate married life at least for a while. Clarisse's delay in arriving home is encouraged by Alcee, which seems strange for a husband lovingly devoted to his life partner. Chopin uses details to create symbolism that represents the bonds of the relationship between Alcee and Calixta. There is an awkwardness in the... center of the card... life is felt again as the two lovers say goodbye in a glittering green world (668). Alcee and Calixta can return to their families as hopeful, vibrant people and continue their lives with a little more love and vitality. Chopin beautifully collects descriptive details and uses them in such a way that his meaning is understandable to the reader. The reader sees the complete storm, from the first raindrops to the last. He uses unique and creative symbolism to portray the thoughts and emotions that so often fade with the storm. The storm washes away the depressing, dirty dust and allows new hope and vigor to rise in its place. So the storm passed and everyone was happy (669). Work cited Chopin, Kate. "The Storm." Literature across cultures. Eds. Sheena Gillepie, Terzinha Fonseca, Carol A. Sanger 3rd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2001.