Name : Andika Dwi Pratama

NIM : 11230260000006
Class : 1 A

The Influence of Setting on the Development of the Plot in "The Storm" by

Kate Chopin

Kate Chopin's "The Storm" stands as a remarkable work within the realm of American
literature, set in the late 19th century in a small town in Louisiana. This specific time and
place are crucial because they establish the societal norms and constraints of the era,
particularly regarding women's roles and marital expectations. The conservative nature of the
society sets the stage for the plot.
The plot of a story consists of major events. It essentially refers to what happens and the
order in which those events occur. To give Calixta and Alcée Lavallière a chance to be alone,
author Kate Chopin has to create that opportunity, and the arrival of the storm is how she
does it. One way to enhance the setting and plot is to use descriptive language. Through the
vivid description of the storm, the author succeeds in creating an atmosphere and drawing the
reader into the surrounding world. For example, the author describes a storm as "pours of
rain" and "thunder accompanied by a thud." These descriptions not only help establish the
setting, but also add tension and intensity to the plot.
Another way to enhance the setting and plot is through the actions and reactions of the
characters. The storm triggers the characters' decisions and actions. The fear and isolation
caused by the storm gives the characters the opportunity and motivation to get involved. The
storm becomes a symbol of the passion and desire that drives the characters to act against
social norms. While a storm rages outside, the characters find solace and connection with
each other.
The isolated rural setting emphasizes the limited options and possibilities available to the
characters. The lack of distractions and the closeness of houses creates a feeling of
confinement and boredom. This further fuels the characters' excitement and desire for
escape, which ultimately leads to infidelity. This setting reinforces the thematic elements of
the story such as desire, freedom, and social constraints. This setting helps convey the theme
of the constraints of her society by showing how Calixta, the main female character, is
limited by her role as a housewife and unable to pursue her own desires. The storm acts as a
metaphor for the emotional and sexual tension between the characters, affecting everyone
mentioned in the story. The rain, the thunderclap, and the sudden feeling of dread forced ex-
lovers to embrace each other once again. As a result, the setting was not only used as a
backdrop but Chopin used it as a force to move her characters and compelled them to do
something that they would not have done without the elements found in the setting. They fell
in love with each other and decided to pursue an illicit affair and the storm was their cover.
The setting revealed an atmosphere conducive to a dull and boring life. This rural
environment has few distractions and the distance from home can easily lead to solitude. This
setting greatly helped Chopin characterize Bobino, Calixta, and Arce. For example, due to the
storm, it rained and thick mud stuck to Bobinot and Bibi's clothes. Due to the mud and dirty
appearance, weaknesses in Bobino's character were revealed. Chopin said he sometimes
went out the back door to avoid his wife's surveillance. This gives the reader a clue as to why
Calixta arouses Arcee and commits adultery with her.
Additionally, this setting helps convey the theme of desire by showing how the storm affects
the characters' relationships and emotions. The storm acts as a catalyst for the characters'
emotional and sexual development, and French-influenced customs and culture add depth
and verisimilitude to the story. A storm separates Calixta from her husband and her son,
allowing her to reunite with her ex-lover Arcee. The storm also revitalizes Calixta and
Bobinot's relationship, reducing their mental burden and saving Bobinot from endless
quarrels. Setting also helps build the plot, describes each character's emotional state, and
creates imagination for the reader. Overall, The Storm's complex relationship between setting
and plot is critical to understanding the characters' motivations and the events that unfold.
The setting is meant to show how the storm affects the characters' relationships and emotions,
and how the French-inspired customs and culture of the setting add depth and verisimilitude
to the story. , which reinforces the story's thematic elements of desire, freedom, and social
constraints.
 Work Cited

"Setting and Storytelling in Chopin's "The Storm"." IvyPanda, 16 Jan. 2021,

ivypanda.com/essays/setting-and-storytelling-in-chopins-the-storm/.
"The Storm" by Kate Chopin Analysis." IvyPanda, 15 Feb. 2022,
ivypanda.com/essays/the-storm-by-kate-chopin-analysis/.