The Storm

Jacqueline Procter
Journal #12
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin

Quote:
“The first free breath since her marriage seemed to restore the pleasant liberty of her maiden days. Devoted as she was to her husband, their intimate conjugal life was something which she was more that willing to forgo for a while."

Summary:
Alcee’s wife is pleased to have some time away from her husband, as she is free of her husband for the first time since getting married and she enjoyed more freedom before she was married. She receives a letter from her husband stating that he’s doing well, and she has his permission to stay a bit longer. She is a devoted wife but she is happy not to have to perform her wifely duties 'fer a spell.

Response:
I was reminded how fast a storm can come up in Louisiana – suddenly the sky is a deep dark blue and in no time the rain comes down and there’s lightening and thunder -- best rain storms I’ve ever experienced.

The storm, like passion is urgent, frantic, and unstoppable -- turbulent forces of nature -- and the storm is the perfect setting for an affair. Passion, like a Louisiana rain storm, arises without warning – Alcee, although married, and conjugating with his wife, still has a burning passion for Calixta. She also shares his passion and they surrender to it.

The storm blows over – everything is calm again -- until the next time -- and they both resume life, as before –no big deal –no hurt feelings – nobody has to know -- everybody’s happy! The balance of nature!

I am also reminded of how many large families there are in south Louisiana; especially back in the day when the average number of children per household was about thirteen. I can relate to Alcee's wife's reluctance of not wanting to get back to her responsibilities. Larger families were probably more indicative of a poorer class as the farmer needed hands to help with farm work.