Themes
Choices
One of the main themes explored in the short story “The Kiss” by Kate Chopin is the theme of choices. The theme is mainly illustrated by Nathalie, who is torn between her desire to obtain financial security and her love for Harvy. Although she loves Harvy, she chooses to marry Brantain, as she prefers “the entourage which wealth could give her” (l. 16). Nathalie is realistic and independent and, in the end, she understands the consequences of her choice: “A person can't have everything in this world; and it was a little unreasonable of her to expect it” (ll. 74-75).
The theme of choices is also illustrated by Brantain, who chooses to believe Nathalie despite his suspicions. When he witnesses Harvy kissing her, Brantain believes that h...