You might find it more interesting to ask what Chopin's
views on marriage were based on this excellent short story. Clearly what is notable
about this text is the way that Chopin presents sex outside of marriage, yet this is not
depicted in a negative fashion--quite the reverse. Indeed, Calixta is shown to be
liberated and fulfilled in a way that she has never been fulfilled by her marriage to
her husband:
readability="9">
When he touched her breasts they gave themselves
up in quivering ecstasy, inviting his lips. Her mouth was a fountain of delight. And
when he possessed her, they seemed to swoon together at the very borderland of life's
mystery.
Indeed, having had
this "storm" of passion, Calixta is shown to be able to welcome her husband and son with
great affection and warmth. Chopin seems to suggest that having her physical and sexual
needs met is actually a good think for her marriage.
You
might want to consider, too, the way in which this is paralleled by Alcee's marriage.
Clarisse is said to be "devoted" to her husband, and yet at the same time she is
enjoying having freedom once more:
readability="6">
And the first free breath since her marriage
seemed to restore the pleasant liberty of her maiden
days.
Chopin thus seems to be
commenting on the strictness of marriage and suggesting how it can actually damage
people. A freer, more liberated approach that recognises the needs and hungers of
individuals would actually be healthier for all concerned, she seems to be
suggesting.
No comments:
Post a Comment