RAFT Assignment

Date: March 21, 2012

The Censorship Committee
“The Storm”

To Whom It May Concern:

I am an active reader, and member of the National Organization for Women, and I am writing this letter to potentially persuade you to change your views of Kate Chopin’s short story, “The Storm.” As it is becoming increasingly present in society, it is clear that the women’s movement for equality is becoming more and more of a serious matter. Previous notions that women were subjective to staying home and living a life constructed strictly of duties seen fit by the male dominance is a dwindling reality. Although the censorship bureau feels as though Chopin’s work “transgresses the virtuous, more and social structure of American literature and that it clearly depicts women in a negative light,” it must be acknowledged through greater insight to realize that “The Storm,” in fact is a manifestation of women’s sexual freedom.

The time for women is now. Why must we as men, suffocate the potential of the women in not only our country, but around the world. What we once saw as a status quo, where women were subjective to male dominance, is now irrational. Women are human, and no matter how oppressed one might be, the metal bars that conceal their mental potential are corroded and widely spaced, women cannot be restrained intellectually. Chopin depicts a wife who cheats on her husband with a previous lover. However Chopin intends for the reader to take much more out of her story than what is written on the pages. “The Storm” brings to light the truth behind the walls and windows. Calixta, wife of Bobinot, is experiencing the desire for freedom. Stepping out of reality, she rekindles a romance with Alcee, and in doing so, depicts the freedom for women to make their own choices in life.

Chopin’s work is built to bypass oppression through radical expression. We are not used to reading such unusual stories, however the question must be asked, what is unusual? Without change how are we supposed to develop and advance as a civilization? Radical it may be, and whether or not you may see eye to eye with the values depicted in “The Storm,” is irrelevant. Chopin’s work was intended to defy the status quo we call “society.” Through symbolism and depiction of emotion, we the reader are able to grasp better insight of the reality inside the minds of the oppressed where temptation and desire run untamable.

To finalize and reinforce my argument, it must be understood that in oppressing Chopin’s short story “The Storm,” you as a committee are indirectly oppressing women, and their fight for equality. We as a community of literature enthusiasts must strive for a society built on the ideas portrayed in egalitarianism. Not only for the equality and recognition of our fellow peers, but for the advancement and growing potential as a society. In publishing “The Storm,” we allow ourselves to respect the decisions and opinions of others, and above all, allow all voices to be heard. Often we use the expression “normal,” but in ending my letter to you, I must ask, what happens when normal isn’t necessarily the right thing? Whether it be moral, political, or social, if the normal tendencies do more harm than good, isn’t it time for change?

Sincerely,

Walker Bradshaw
Reader and active member of NOW