Calixta

Calixta is one of the two protagonists in Kate Chopin's story “The Storm”.

Outer characterization

Readers are introduced to Calixta in the first part of the story, as Bibi, her son, fears that she will be frightened by the storm (l. 7). Bobinôt, Calixta’s husband, buys a can of shrimps for Calixta because she is very fond of them. (ll. 11-12).

The second part of the story begins with Calixta sewing at home. Her outer characterization tells us that she is wearing a dress – most likely a sacque-back dress, an informal dress popular in the 18th and 19th centuries: “She unfastened her white sacque at the throat.” (ll. 20-21). Because the weather is very warm, Calixta “often stopped to mop her face on which the perspiration gathered in beads.” (ll. 19-20)

Calixta is a housewife – this is suggested by her being at home sewing (ll. 17-18). Also, later in the story, the narrator states that Bobinôt is prepared to be scolded by Calixta, who is described as “an over-scrupulous housewife” (l. 114).

Throughout the story, there are many references to her outer appearance. The narrator voices Alcée’s perception of Calixta: “She was a little fuller of figure than five years before she married” (l. 40). This also provides a backstory about the relationship between the two. Calixta has blue eyes which “retained their melting quality” (l. 41) and blonde hair which “kinked more stubbornly than ever about her ears and temples.” (ll. 42-43)

As the storm intensifies, Calixta stands by the window “with a greatly disturbed look on her face.” (l. 56). The context suggests that sh...