The Cyclone Symbol Analysis

The cyclone serves as the embodiment of the story’s naturalism, representing the notion that the natural forces ultimately hold power over the people who inhabit it. Indeed, the cyclone is the driving force behind the story’s plot, as it has a domino effect on the characters attending the ’Cadian ball. The cyclone drives Alcée to despair and leads him to attend the ball in hopes of relieving his frustration and distress. This, in turn, causes Bobinôt to attend the ball in attempt to protect Calixta from a dangerous Alcée. Alcée’s attendance also drives Clarisse to fetch him from the ball, which leads to her ensuing confession. The couples that form at the story’s end are, in effect, all products of the cyclone. The manner in which the cyclone has a domino effect on the romantic interactions of these four characters also parallels the instinctual love and sexual desire they feel for one another, such as when Calixta’s senses “reel” from the feeling of Alcée’s “touch of a rose.” Like the cyclone, the primal attraction the male and female characters feel for each other is a natural force beyond their control that goes on to dictate their motivations and actions, and can change the course of the night in an instant. In this way, the cyclone represents how nature has the potential to control people, and even to determine their destinies.