Study Guide
"The Storm" is a favorite American short story by Kate Chopin. Here are a few questions for study and discussion.
- What is important about the title of the short story, "The Storm"? What are the multiple meanings of "the storm"?
- What are the conflicts in "The Storm"? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) do you see in this story?
- How does Kate Chopin reveal character in "The Storm"?
- What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- What are some symbols in "The Storm"? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
- Is Calixta consistent in her actions? Is she a fully developed character? How? Why?
- Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet the characters?
- Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?
- What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
- Why are Kate Chopin's works often associated with feminist literature?
- How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
- What is the role of women in the text? What about single/independent women? What about the role of wife and mother?
- Compare/contrast this story with "The Story of an Hour."
- Would you recommend this story to a friend?
