Compare & Contrast - the Storm and Desiree's Baby

Kate Chopin wrote two short stories entitled "The Storm" about a woman committing adultery and "Desiree's Baby" about self-identification; knowing who you are. After reading both short stories, Calixta and Desiree share some striking differences. There is a major plot difference on how all women view and handled their marriage; each having a role as wives in the 1800's, how they both have a different kind of love for their children and also self-worth.

To begin with, Calixta and Desiree clearly show differences on how they handle their marriage meaning a different kind of love toward their husbands. Calixta handles her marriage by going against the grain; having an affair with someone she still loved even after she builds a new life. While on the other hand, Desiree is a faithful, honest wife who is the kind that would kill to please her husband. To me, Calixta is mysterious and passionate because even though she cared for her child and husband she still put herself first, the affair continued on but in the end Calixta left with a smile on her face like nothing ever happened.

"They did not heed the crashing torrents, and the roar of the elements made her laugh as she lay in his arms. She was a revelation in that dim, mysterious chamber; as white as the couch she lay upon. Her firm, elastic flesh that was knowing for the first time its birthright, was like a creamy lily that the sun invites to contribute its breath and perfume to the undying life of the world."

Calixta is definitely viewed as a person with passion and of desires. As opposed to, Desiree doesn't know who she is, a very weak minded person that's why there is no surprise as to why she would be so true to her husband.

"What Desiree said was true. Marriage, and later the brith of his son, had softened Armand Aubigny's imperious and exacting nature greatly. This was what made the gentle Desiree so happy, for she loved him desperately. When he frowned she trembled, but loved him. When he smiled, she asked not greater blessing of God."

How Desiree is described alone shows that her whole life is her husband and how important it was to please him. To emphasize, this is very different from how Calixta is presented to the audience. Kate Chopin is writing about someone who is sensual and sexual with herself while on the other hand, Desiree who is faithful but treated wrong by her husband.

In fact, Desiree never stops being a mother but Calixta does from the time she let Alcee Laballière in her home till the storm ended.

"Calixta, at home, felt no uneasiness for their safety"

Meaning she didn't care where Bobinot and Bibi's was while the storm surpass. On the Contrary, both short stories ended on a different note, In the short story "The Storm" was merely a happy ending because