ance for transgressions. When the tree is struck by lightning it represents the destruction of morality and the suspension of penance. This meant that Calixta and Alce's act of adultery would go unpunished, because they could temporarily put aside their morals without having to do penance. The final bits of symbolism I see are the immaculate dove and the placement of Bibi's bed. The sentence that stated "if she was not an immaculate dove in those days, she was still inviolate;" (29) this indicates that at the time she first knew Alce she was a virgin and thus untouchable. However, at the time when the story takes place we see that Calixta is a mother, this point is sharply reinforced by the fact that in her bedroom was "Bibi's couch along side her own". (28). This indicates that she is no longer a virgin and untouchable but a mother. There was nothing to stand in the way of their afternoon interlude except for their own moral values.ThemeI believe the theme of this story is that unconsummated sexual attraction can erupt if given a chance. We are shown that Alce and Calixta were attracted to each other years ago but nothing every came of the relationship in the line "Oh! She remembered; for in the Assumption he had kissed her and kissed and kissed her; until his senses would well nigh fail, and to save her he would resort to desperate flight."(29). Now that they are alone and isolated for the first time since Calixta's marriage their passions simply erupted within the seclusion of the storm.The central elements of this story combine to show us an interesting glimpse into Calixta and Alce's afternoon interlude. It went further and indicated that this minor event may have released tensions and temporarily improved the lives of their ...
