Desire Baby And The Storm Essay, Research Paper

A Paper

After reading four short stories by Kate Chopin I found many similarities between them. All of her characters seem to be searching for their roles, identities and place in society. This search is a consistent theme throughout her four stories. In addition, there are three major characteristics used by the author in all four stories, such as the symbolism of the titles, span of time the stories suggest and the settings.

The symbolism expressed by the title of The Storm represents the feminine desire and sexuality of Calixta. Her passion for Alcee takes place within the time of a passing storm. In the story The Fig , a young girl named Babette and an older woman, Maman-Nainaine, are symbolized by the title. Babette symbolizes a young girl starting to develop and mature as a green fig in the growing season of spring. Maman-Nainainet, the older woman, represents coming to the end of life in old age and the ripened brown fig harvested for fall. The passage of time for the figs to ripen represents the human maturity process. The symbolism continues in Desirre s Baby . The child represents the prejudices and treatment of Negro s during those times. Time is also relevant to this story because with time always comes the truth. In Desirre s Baby , the husband banishes his wife because he misunderstands the truth. Finally, after several weeks he discovers the truth about his own past and realizes that his ancestry was to blame for the color of the baby. In The Story of an Hour , Mrs. Mallard is taken through many emotional states in a short period of time. Upon hearing of her husband s alleged death she is stunned but then comes to realize that she is now a free woman. She can live her life without restrictions and demands set by her husband. As she looks out her window, Mrs. Mallard sees the scenery alive with spring in the air. This represents her desire to start a new life without her husband. Then suddenly her husband appears at the front door. She is overcome with such despair that she succumbs to death. This particular story takes place in just one hour but is full of all the different emotions that one person can feel within a lifetime.

The setting of these stories has a distinct sense of taking place in the south. In the 1800 s Kate Chopin wrote stories that took place during the time in which she lived when slavery was still prevalent and women s rights were restricted. She concentrates much on those who were of Creole descent. Chopin also captures the treatment of women and their need for independence.

Many parallels run between these four short stories. All stress the author s feelings during the changing times of the 1800 s. She empowered all of her female characters to make choices that would direct each towards independence.