Storm Symbolism Essay, Research Paper

The title of this story suggests a metaphorical connection between the storm

outside and the storm of emotions going on in the individuals Calixta and Alcee.

The intensity of their sexual act inside the house follows the pattern of the

storm outside. Their passion climaxes and diminishes with the storm. They are

left replenished and fresh just like nature. The storm outside had been brewing

for some time, just as it had been brewing between Calixta and Alcee. They tried

to deter the storm by staying away from each other, but it was inevitable just

like the storm itself. They had set up barriers between themselves by not being

alone together but those barriers could be and were broken. Just like the storm

beating down the barriers of the house trying to expose them to the outside

elements, the barriers between Calixta and Alcee were diminishing with first

contact as shown in this excerpt. ?The rain beat upon the low, shingled roof

with a force and clatter that threatened to break an entrance and deluge them

there.? This refers to the storm outside and their emotional state. They were

feeling this need and desire for each other and it was beating down all the

barriers they had set up within themselves to resist this temptation. Their

feelings were so dangerously close to the surface that they could hardly hide

them any longer. The storm was raging on and the drama of the lightning was very

shocking to them. They could almost feel its electricity. ?The playing of

lightning was incessant. A bolt struck a tall chinaberry tree at the edge of the

field. It filled all visible space with a blinding glare and the crash seemed to

invade the very boards they stood upon.? The lightning in the literal storm

was the symbol of the electricity felt between the Calixta and Alcee. It draws

them together by its magnetic force. She falls into his arms and their desire

could not be denied once they touched. The urge was too powerful for them to

deny, like a bolt of lightning. The intensity of the storm increases along with

their longing for each other. They did not turn and run from the internal storm

of passion within them, but instead it made them happy and giddy so they don?t

worry about the storm outside. ?They did not heed the crashing torrents, and

the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms.? Her feeling

and emotions are very intense at this time. All she feels and needs is him to

fulfill the raging storm inside of them. Relaxation and calm is the feeling one

gets after a storm has passed. This is what they both felt after their sexual

encounter was complete. ?The rain was over; and the sun was turning the

glistening green world into a palace of gems.? ?He turned and smiled at her

with a beaming face.? His face beamed like the sun after the completion of a

storm. The storm inside of him was satisfied and calmed by this act just as the

earth is satisfied and calmed by a rainstorm. He felt whole and replenished. A

storm does many things for nature. It replenishes, feeds, and allows nature to

grow. The storm between Alcee and Calixta did all of those things. Their desire

was fed and satisfied. The storm replenished their relationships with their

spouses and families. The following passage was used to describe Calixta and her

family at dinner that same night. ??The three of them seated themselves at

the table they laughed much and so loud that anyone might have heard them as far

away as Laballiere?s.? It also replenished Alcee?s relationship with his

wife. ?Alcee Laballiere wrote to his wife, Clarisse, that night. It was a

loving letter, full of tender solicitude.? This storm rejuvenated their lives

with their families as the other storm rejuvenated and replenished the earth

outside. It made everything stronger and healthier. The storm beautifies the

world with freshness and new life. The storm between Alcee and Calixta

accomplished the same thing. ?So the storm passed and everyone was happy.?

The storm between them gave them new life and satisfaction. They felt fresh and

renewed like they had been reborn. They could appreciate everything they have

once again.