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Post by Jarod Miller on Aug 29, 2021 19:26:59 GMT -8
One of the contradictions within “The Storm” is between what is happening outside, the storm, and what is taking place inside, the affair. The storm is perceived as dangerous, gloomy, and depressing because of the negative connotation of words used to describe the storm. Whereas the affair between Alcee and Calixta inside the closed house is perceived as joyful and exciting. This contrast can be seen in the diction used to describe each setting where the storm is described as “...clouds rolling with sinister intention…accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar.” and the affair described as “...like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world.” Furthermore, there is another contradiction between the house and the storm which is the privacy that is taking place. The storm can be seen by everyone from miles away and therefore isn’t hidden whereas the affair that is taking place inside the house cannot be seen by anyone because of the closed curtains causing the affair to be secretive.
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Post by ashleychang on Aug 29, 2021 20:02:30 GMT -8
There are different small aspects of the setting that act as parallels to the plot of the story. The store at the beginning of the story is described as wooden and the storm "shook the wooden store and seemed to be ripping great furrows in the distant field." As the storm mirrors the passion between the two characters, it basically tearing apart the store alludes that Calixta's marriage is unstable. This is because wood symbolizes stability, in which it basically being torn apart from the store, can be interpreted as the affair destabilizes her marriage. In addition, there are multiple accounts of a white bed/couch in a dim setting. White is typically the color of innocence and purity where it being in a shadowed room serves as an allusion for her "innocence" being overshadowed by the affair--as if she had any innocence or purity to begin with or if it was just another one of her facades. There's a point in the story that can be linked to Greek mythology as seen in HTRLLAP, which is when Calixta "set the table and was dripping coffee at the hearth." The Greek goddess of the hearth is Hestia, who is also known to be the goddess of family as well as one of three virgin goddesses. This shows that after the affair, she goes back to being homely, warm, pure and family oriented--although the audience knows that it's not true. Later on, Calixta, Bobinot, and Bibi sit down at a three-seated table. Three is seen as the "perfect" number in the biblical sense, where it can represent how now Calixta wants everything to be perfect--a "picture perfect family" to cover up what happened.
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Post by Hilary Chen on Aug 29, 2021 20:07:37 GMT -8
So, in "The Storm", it begins with the warm scene of father Bobinot and son Bibi worrying about Calixta and how she will fare in the storm while they are at Friedheimer's store buying shrimps for Calixta. The storm which is starting to build, upon re-reading we can possibly see it as foreshadowing the build up of Calixta and Alcee's feelings for each other. The harsh storm, Calixta and Alcee's warm yet unlawful affair contradict each other. Also, when Bobinot and Bibi return to their home, as the storm dies down, creates again an amiable atmosphere in the same place where Calixta just had an affar, yet still welcomes her family with affection and no guilt. Like what it says in chapter 19 of "HTRLLAP", geography matters. So does the time period because this was written around the turn of the 20th century, but if "The Storm" took place in a more modern or urban setting, Bobinot and Bibi would need to have virtually no worries about Calixta during a rainstorm. Alcee would also not need to stop by their home with a horse, or help Calixta with keeping the door shut, which led to her falling into his arms, and possibly keeping the affair from happening.
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Post by ashleychang on Aug 29, 2021 20:08:09 GMT -8
In Kate Chopin's, "The Storm" a contradiction that can be seen is the weather and the character's response to the weather. In the beginning, the storm is described with "sombre clouds" and "sinister intentions", building suspense and tension. The storm is then personified throughout the story through the characters' actions, specifically Calixta and Alcee's intimate scene. While the storm outside "shingled [the] roof with a force and clatter that threatened to break an entrance", Calixta is rather unbothered by it because the storm is metaphorically Alcee destroying the trust between Calixta and her husband. As the intimacy builds the plot, the storm slowly begins to disappear until Alcee rides away. "The Storm" can be related to the chapter on a deal with the devil from HTRLLAP. There are multiple instances of Alcee taking advantage of Calixta's where he is represented as the devil and the bargain is Calixta's relationship in return for a moment of pleasure. In the text, Alcee's voice is described as one that is deep and puts Calixta in a "trance" for a moment. In another instance "he possessed her". The intimate scenes serve as a reassurance that Calixta did indeed make a deal with the devil. When making such a deal, a price always has to be payed, which in this instance is Calixta's purity and loyalty to her husband and her family. I love your connection to the deal with the devil from HTRLLAP! I connected some aspects of the story to biblical references but never thought of it that way. I completely agree with your interpretation of linking Alcee to the devil and bargaining Calixta's marriage for his own lustful pleasure. The fact that you linked the intimate scenes as reassurance and Calixta's "purity" as payment to the devil is so clever, I would've never thought of that! |
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Post by ashleychang on Aug 29, 2021 20:14:38 GMT -8
Contradictions can be found within “The Storm,” especially when different descriptions of weather contradict each other, when their symbolic meanings are compared. For instance, as the storm occurs, “the playing of lightning was incessant” (3). Typically, lightning or light in general can be interpreted to bring clarity to characters, giving them a deeper understanding of their lives and futures. Therefore, readers would expect that Calixta would have the sense to reject Alcee after the lighting gives her clarity to focus on her family. However, this is not the case. Instead, Calixta brings more confusion into her relationship by accepting Alcee and spending time with him while the storm passes. Additionally, considering chapter 9 of HTRLLAP, the presence of mist in this scene further contradicts the presence of lightning. The author describes that the rain was “enveloping the distant wood in a gray mist” (3). Fog and mist are types of weather that symbolize confusion and being lost. In combination, the mist and lightning are two symbolically contradicting settings in the short story that serve to highlight Calixta’s wrongdoing towards her husband and general confusion in her relationships. I thought your interpretation of the lightning and mist and their symbolic meanings were really good. I do agree that lightning can be interpreted as trying to bring clarity. However, I also think this can be related to the start of their sin (lust). This is because in a religious sense, lightning is considered to be arrows from God, a symbol of His anger. Through that one strike of lightning, it shows that Calixta and Alcee have sinned which relates to the bargain of the devil as seen in other responses about the chapter from HTRLLAP. |
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Post by Alysha Lee on Aug 29, 2021 20:15:41 GMT -8
The contradiction in “The Storm,” by Jack London,is that the setting originally takes place during the beginning of a violent storm which causes an significant increase in stress, vulnerability, and anxiety. The emotions and moods that are set within the first few paragraphs on the story is established to be tense with a sense of urgency which is incredibly intriguing for the reader. However, when our two characters share a steamy moment together all the thunder, lightning, and sharp rain seems to disappear or is at least disregarded by Calixta who moments ago was deadly afraid of mother nature's uproar. Even after the affair she seems to pay no attention to it, the storm doesn't stop during this time, it maintains the same ferocity but the setting is now lighthearted, happy, and fuzzy from Calixta.
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Post by Alysha Lee on Aug 29, 2021 20:23:39 GMT -8
The contradiction in “The Storm,” by Jack London,is that the setting originally takes place during the beginning of a violent storm which causes an significant increase in stress, vulnerability, and anxiety. The emotions and moods that are set within the first few paragraphs on the story is established to be tense with a sense of urgency which is incredibly intriguing for the reader. However, when our two characters share a steamy moment together all the thunder, lightning, and sharp rain seems to disappear or is at least disregarded by Calixta who moments ago was deadly afraid of mother nature's uproar. Even after the affair she seems to pay no attention to it, the storm doesn't stop during this time, it maintains the same ferocity but the setting is now lighthearted, happy, and fuzzy from Calixta. Oops! Continuation- In connection with HTRLLP, Vampirism is a strong theme within the story. Alcee being the older male figure who preys on younger, usually female's innocence. Calixta is repeatedly described with the color white when addressing her complexion and features which white is universally orientated with innocence and purity. The price she pays is her innocence, her purity, but she was completely tempted by her vampire who needed her young blood. |
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Post by Alysha Lee on Aug 29, 2021 20:30:55 GMT -8
One of the contradictions within “The Storm” is between what is happening outside, the storm, and what is taking place inside, the affair. The storm is perceived as dangerous, gloomy, and depressing because of the negative connotation of words used to describe the storm. Whereas the affair between Alcee and Calixta inside the closed house is perceived as joyful and exciting. This contrast can be seen in the diction used to describe each setting where the storm is described as “...clouds rolling with sinister intention…accompanied by a sullen, threatening roar.” and the affair described as “...like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world.” Furthermore, there is another contradiction between the house and the storm which is the privacy that is taking place. The storm can be seen by everyone from miles away and therefore isn’t hidden whereas the affair that is taking place inside the house cannot be seen by anyone because of the closed curtains causing the affair to be secretive. Hi Jarod! I really like how you took the contradiction to the actual geography of the setting within the story while most of us were limiting ourselves to what was happening within the walls. I think you could even tie this in with HTRLLP "Geography Matters" because in the end without the strategic way everything is set up like how its violently storming, Alcee just so happens to be outside of Calixta's house, and how she just so happens to be very afraid of thunder storms, this story would never happen. All the details that seem to go unnoticed are actually put in by the author with great effort like how we see that the rain was so heavy that something had to be put under the door to prevent leakage is really another way of "trapping" the two characters in with each other which ultimately creates a more private setting as we continue through the story.
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Post by rebeccaauu on Aug 29, 2021 20:34:58 GMT -8
In Kate Chopin's "The Storm", she creates a contradiction between the stormy weather versus the environment inside the house. Outside there was a dark and dangerous storm yet the events in Calixta's house were passionate and warm. The peak of the weather would represent the height of the affair between Calixta and Alcee as their relationship rekindled. Also, despite the "crashing torrents, and the roar of elements", they acted as if they couldn't hear it because they were blinded by their physical needs. Another contradiction that appears is towards the end of the storm when Chopin writes: "sun was turning the glistening green world into a palace of gems" to represent the satisfaction felt by the two while Bobinot and his son were all dirty and struggled to get home.
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Post by Kaelyn Santelices on Aug 29, 2021 20:36:04 GMT -8
One contradiction between the setting and events in "The Storm" by Kate Chopin is shown towards the end of the short story as Bibi and Bobinot return home covered and tarnished in mud. The two are afraid to let Calixta see their disheveled appearances yet she welcomes them both in a warm embrace. This interaction between the characters is ironic because the son and father are afraid of coming home dirty when in reality it was the mother who should be ashamed because she just had an affair with an ex in their own home. Similar to the chapter "It's More Than Just Rain or Snow" in HTRLLAP, the mud and setting around them is used to represent Bobinot and Calixta's sham of a marriage. Bobinot and Bibi are the ones covered in dirt and mud but really it's Calixta that is a dirty cheater covered in lies.
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Post by Om Angarkar on Aug 29, 2021 20:40:08 GMT -8
In HTTRLLAP, there is a chapter that talks about rain, and how it may symbolize growth and maturity, yet adultery is a sinful practice. During the storm, which should cleanse the soul as per what may archetypes and stereotypes may suggest to us, instead a sin that breaks entire families apart talks place. The rain also represents isolation, as the husband and the son were seeking shelter in a convenience store that they were first venturing towards. It also brings people together, however not the people that one may want to bring together in the first place. The storm in this story represents conflict as a whole, setting up the rising action as wholesome people close to you get separated from you while people that may bring out the sinner out of you may show up randomly.
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Post by Om Angarkar on Aug 29, 2021 20:44:33 GMT -8
The contradiction in “The Storm,” by Jack London,is that the setting originally takes place during the beginning of a violent storm which causes an significant increase in stress, vulnerability, and anxiety. The emotions and moods that are set within the first few paragraphs on the story is established to be tense with a sense of urgency which is incredibly intriguing for the reader. However, when our two characters share a steamy moment together all the thunder, lightning, and sharp rain seems to disappear or is at least disregarded by Calixta who moments ago was deadly afraid of mother nature's uproar. Even after the affair she seems to pay no attention to it, the storm doesn't stop during this time, it maintains the same ferocity but the setting is now lighthearted, happy, and fuzzy from Calixta. Fantastic commentary, however I have to point out that The Storm is actually written by Kate Chopin. Jack London wrote To Build a Fire. The contradictions between how the storm is first displayed versus how it later gets displayed is a huge statement to what the storm ultimately symbolizes. Does it mean venturing the unknown? Does it mean looking through your past to seek closure? All of these give off the first feelings of dread and fear, however when the deed is done, it feels a lot more tame and mild, and the feeling of completeness comes to supersede you. |
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Post by Kaelyn Santelices on Aug 29, 2021 20:45:25 GMT -8
In The Storm by Kate Chopin, one of the main setting in the story was Calixta's house while the thunder storm was taking place. While the storm was happening Calixta was at home with Alcee and she was very scared by the storm and thought lightning would strike her house and it would fall down so for Calixta, the storm was very dark and scary. Also in the book How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster we know how he explains that storms represent a very dark time. We can make a guess that a storm could be represented for how Calixta feels with her relationship with Alcee when she is already married to Bobinot. I agree with Emily, the stormy weather used illustrates Calixta's fear but also correlates to the guilt she feels knowing she is cheating on Bobinot with Alcee. It's contradictory how Calixta is frightened by the sounds of thunder and rain pouring down on her home but she retracts into Alcee's arms. During the whole affair, the storm is heard in the distance and the sun doesn't shine until it is over, and Bobinot and Bibi return as Calixta faces a new fear of guilt. |
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Post by Darren Lee on Aug 29, 2021 20:47:09 GMT -8
The weather in general is a big part of the story. As the storm starts up, we can see that there is an ominous sort of vibe around the home where his wife is. Then the storm ramps up, and we can see that there is a sort of climax to the relationship between calixta and alcee. Alcee is excited through the storm and we can see that calixta also is starting to lose control. They have intercourse and then the storm clears up signaling a sort of final. Then Alcee leaves smiling and calixta is also smiling. The story contradicts itself here because of the fact that usually people who act like this and do this are guilty and are scared. It seems like the norm of this time was to do this and leave happily. Also, when the husband and son comeback, the wife acts like nothing happened and the husband and son dont suspect a thing. Honestly, this whole story seems like an illusion. It seems unreal and I cant relate to be honest.
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Post by Akash Surendran on Aug 29, 2021 20:55:02 GMT -8
One of the biggest contradictions in "The Storm" is between the weather and the actions of Calixta and Alcee. As seen in HTRLLAP, stormy weather represents danger, depression, sadness, conflict, and negative events. However, while the storm is going on outside and the other characters are afraid and trying to find safety, Calixta and Alcee are inside laughing. They are almost oblivious to what is happening outside and are passionately having an affair. Both of them are happy, laughing, and enjoying their time which is opposite of what the storm represents. It can seem as if the negative events and danger only applies to Calixta's family that is stuck in the storm. This can represent Calixta's actions being harmful to her family but not herself. I definitely agree with this, but I would go as far as to say that the cause of their obliviousness is that they are the storm. We see that as the storm arrives, Alcee arrives along with it, and he leaves as it passes. The impulsiveness of their feelings during the storm almost mimic its ferocity. |
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