The Thunderstorm Symbol Analysis

The thunderstorm that unfolds alongside the story’s action symbolizes the sexual encounter between Alcée and Calixta, two former lovers who are married to other people, ultimately implying that sex and sexual desire are natural and positive aspects of human nature. Caught within the wild rush of a severe thunderstorm, the sexual chemistry between two former lovers reaches a peak. Specifically, Chopin describes Calixta’s energy alongside the stages of a thunderstorm. First, right before the storm hits, the weather is hot and Calixta’s sweats over her sewing machine. Like the incoming clouds, Calixta is full of pent-up tension. Then, as the thunderstorm rolls in and the lightning strikes, the presence of Alcée triggers a charge of sexual arousal for Calixta. When the clouds burst into heavy rain, Calixta’s tension gives way to pleasure. As the thunderstorm ends and the rain slows, Calixta collapses in exhaustion alongside Alcée, indicating a complete release of tension. With the thunderstorm over and tensions released, a relaxed Calixta happily returns her attention to her family, obviously refreshed. In nature, thunderstorms provide a vital function by releasing energy into the atmosphere. Like a thunderstorm, sex between Alcee and Calixta serves as a means to release bound-up energy, and actually gives the two lovers more energy to then interact with their respective families. In “The Storm,” Chopin makes the radical claim that, just as thunderstorms maintain ecosystems, sexual affairs can provide an outlet necessary for the maintenance of marriage. Further, Chopin’s use of a cyclical natural event to symbolize the relationship brings up the possibility that the incident will, like a thunderstorm, reoccur.