Instruction
“The Storm”
by
Kate Chopin
Although widely published in her life, “The Storm” written in 1890, was not published until more than 50 years after the death of the author in 1904. Why do you imagine this was so?
What explains the sudden passion between Calixta and Alcée? Are they in love?
Does Calixta love either Bobinôt orAlcée? Explain your response.
Are there any injured parties in this story? If yes, who and how are they injured? If no, why not?
Do you think “The Storm” ends happily? Why or why not? Explain your response.------------------------------
“The Story of an Hour”
by
Kate Chopin
Why do you think “The Story of an Hour” caused a sensation among the reading public when it was published in 1894?
Does Louise Mallard love her husband? Explain.
What kind o man is Brently Mallard as his wife remembers him? Provide evidence from the story to support your answer.
What might be the cause or causes of the “physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul” that Louise feels as she sinks into the armchair?
What caused the death of Louise Mallard?--------------------------------
“Désirée’s Baby”
by
Kate Chopin
This story takes place in antebellum Louisiana. What do you know about the role played by race in southern society in the days before the Civil War?
Does Armand really love Désirée? Explain, citing evidence from the story.
Armand seems to have fallen in love “at first sight.” Is this possible? Can love conquer all, even racial bias?
How does Chopin subvert the assumption that a person may be defined by race or heredity?
How important is the minor character La Blanche to the story? Why did Chopin include her in the narrative.
Is Désirée’s final act one of heroism or cowardice? Explain your response.