The Evolution of Women
...er, that they are “just women.” She continues to tell her that because they are women their opinions will basically never matter. The character that Sarah portrays is very outspoken and partially dramatic in her actions. She is the one character in the story that is not afraid to voice her opinion, let alone back down from what she says. All though Mrs. Penn speaks her mind, she does such in a manner that is not disrespectful or misunderstood by her husband. She manages to express herself without seeming defiant in any way. Many of her actions resemble the majority of today’s women in that they are more willing than ever before to stand up for what they believe. Many women, in the past (and some even now) would have never spoken out against their husbands decisions. Mary Wilkins Freeman made sure that Mrs. Sarah Penn was an exception to that rule. Outwardly expressing sexual desires was at one time, considered very taboo. Most women in the past seemed to be very afraid to be open and honest about their sexual wishes. The few women who appeared “loose” with their sexualities were usually labeled with an unfavorable term. Kate Chopin’s, “The Storm,” displays a woman with lust in her heart and the situation she al on to fulfill her needs. Calixta, the main character, is a woman that has managed to maintain feelings for a man in her past. All though she seems to have the lifestyle that she wants with her husband and son, a part of her still longs for the feeling of being with the man from her past. During a moment of extreme weakness, Calixta has a sexual encounter with her secret fantasy man. After the incident, she picks up with her everyday activities, including taking care of her husband and son as if she has never done anything. Calixta’s character was very rare for her time. Many women were used to hiding or ignoring their desires in order to fulfill their duties of taking care of their families. Women in the past were not willing to be viewed in any unfavorable manner, not even by their husbands. Calixta is...