Internal and External Conflicts:

The internal conflict revolves around Calixta's suppressed desires and the tension between societal expectations and her own passions. The external conflict is represented by the raging storm, which serves as a metaphor for the unleashing of repressed emotions and desires.

Composition of the Story:

The story can be divided into the following parts:

a) Exposition: Introduction of the characters and setting during the approaching storm.

b) Rising Action: Alcée taking shelter at Calixta's home and their growing tension.

c) Climax: The passionate encounter between Calixta and Alcée during the storm.

d) Falling Action: Alcée's departure and Bobint's return with Bibi, unaware of the events.

e) Denouement: The aftermath, with Alcée writing a letter to his wife and Calixta resuming her domestic duties.

Stylistic Devices:

Chopin employs vivid imagery and sensual language to depict the passionate encounter between Calixta and Alcée. Metaphors and similes are used to convey the intensity of their emotions and desires, such as the comparison of Calixta's passion to "a white flame" and her flesh being "like a creamy lily."

Conclusion:

"The Storm" by Kate Chopin is a poignant exploration of female sexuality and the suppression of desires within the constraints of societal norms. Through evocative language and vivid descriptions, Chopin challenges traditional notions of propriety and presents a glimpse into the hidden passions that can be unleashed during moments of liberation.

“A Clean Well Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway

About the Author:

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist. He was a prominent figure in the literary world and is known for his concise and understated writing style. Some of his notable works include "The Sun Also Rises," "A Farewell to Arms," and "The Old Man and the Sea," for which he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.

Summary of the Story:

The story revolves around two waiters at a late-night cafe, where an elderly man is the last customer. The younger waiter is impatient and wants to close the cafe, while the older waiter is more understanding and empathetic towards the old man's loneliness and desire to stay. The story explores themes of existential loneliness, the need for human connection, and the contrast between youth and old age.

The Problem Raised by the Author:

Hemingway tackles the problem of existential loneliness, particularly in old age, and the human need for companionship and a sense of belonging. The old man's attempt at suicide and his desire to stay at the cafe late into the night highlight his loneliness and the emptiness he feels in his life.

The Main Idea Conveyed by the Author:

The main idea conveyed by Hemingway is the importance of human connection and the need for a sense of purpose, even in the face of life's emptiness and meaninglessness. The well-lighted cafe serves as a sanctuary for those seeking solace and a respite from the darkness and loneliness of the night.

Definition of the Text:

The story is a third-person narrative interlaced with descriptive passages and dialogues between the characters. It also includes philosophical and existential digressions, particularly in the older waiter's internal monologue towards the end.

Characterization: The old man is a round character, portrayed as a complex and multidimensional individual struggling with loneliness and the meaninglessness of life. The younger waiter is a flat character, representing impatience and a lack of empathy, while the older waiter is a round character, exhibiting depth and understanding towards the old man's plight.

Prevailing Mood: The overall mood of the story is melancholic and existential, with a sense of loneliness and emptiness permeating the narrative. However, there are also moments of empathy and understanding, particularly from the older waiter, which provide a glimmer of hope and human connection.