The Storm within the Storm In the story “The Tempest” by Kate Chopin, the two main characters, Calixta and Alcee, had an understanding several years before the adulterous relationship transpired. One day, during a storm, the two would reunite and light the flame that once existed. This is the basis of the story, a storm within two marriages. Behind the subliminal words of the story there is a deeper meaning. “The Storm” helps define sexual standards in the late 19th century, while also making a dominant statement regarding human sexual instincts and needs. The storm evokes repressed emotions that Calixta and Alcee eventually act on. One critic, Robert Wilson, further suggests: "Chopin's title refers to nature, which is symbolically feminine; the storm can therefore be seen as symbolic of female sexuality and passion, and the image of the storm will return again and again throughout history" (1). At the beginning of the story, Bobinot, Calixta's husband, who was presented as a caring husband and a loving father. Bobinot knew what his wife loved and ...