Creative Assignment: Why I believe the Censorship Committee is wrong for not publishing "The Storm"

234 Hollow Drive

Rochester, NY 14601

March 22, 1969

Henry Sherlock

434 Webster Lane

Washington Heights, NY 10033

Dear Mr. Sherlock

             In response to your defiance of the publication of “The Storm,” written by Kate Chopin, I feel the story is a true reflection of the role of women.  For years women have had their future clearly mapped out since birth.  We help our mothers when we are young, and then when we have children of our own, we are obligated to perform the tasks that society dictates. These include having babies, managing the household, cooking and having a meal ready and on the table for our husbands arriving home from a long day at work.  The social standing of women, however, is slowly changing. 

            Calixa’s character in Chopin’s piece may not have made the ideal choice, but she took action towards the idea of letting women make their own decisions.  She could have denied Alcee or told him to stop.  Calixa, however, did not give in to Alcee because she was being forced to do so, in any way.  She participated in this sinful act because she wanted to.  She was in control of her own desires.  No one told her she could or couldn’t do it.  Calixa thought for herself.

            Women have also always been expected to be very conservative.  Not to show off, in any way, especially sexually.  Our desires should be repressed at all times, in order to be considered a respectable woman.  We can conclude that for the most part women have no say in anything.  In the way we dress, act, or even speak.  Chopin presents her character with a great deal of confidence in herself, which is often lacking due to the oppressiveness and overbearing rules for women to live by.  Calixa’s fling with Alcee during the storm sends an important message to women everywhere.  You don’t need to be afraid to express who you are.  In other words, women should have the right to embrace themselves in all aspects of their life.

            There’s more to the story than just an affair.  It addresses the issues of women’s right to think for themselves, assert their own decisions, and about allowing them to have the ability to express themselves. Even though for many years tradition has been that women come second to their husband, that they must be working in the home in order to help contribute to providing for the family, times are changing.  Women are just as significant, if not more, as men in this society.  If not for women the men would not exist.

                                                                                                Sincerely,

Maire Hannigan