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Response on Matt's Mind- Follow up to "The Storm"


Matt's interpretation of Kate Choppin's last line in The Storm is an original perspective in that it may be what the elusive author meant with the final statement. The true definition of happiness is up to the viewer, and, with each person holding differing moral standpoints, exceptions, religious restrictions, or polygamous ideals, that happiness is either raw and honest or artificial and a charade. It also forces the reader to analyze morality's toll in the story, for dishonesty and infidelity cannot be forgotten/ 

Matt's specific viewpoint on the happiness stated at the end of the story is different than mine in that it takes into consideration the morality of the situation as well as if the affair were to continue. We did, however share the same disdain for the dishonesty represented in the story. I focused more on how impending truth, future heartbreak, and ignorance being bliss temporarily builds a false happiness that will only lasts momentarily. This could possibly be a realism versus romanticism argument or just a difference in perspective of how emotional pain may heal. Choppin's gravitational final sentence allows for these differing opinions and leaves interpretation up to the reader, which could be what she intended, preserving the reader's take and avoiding choosing sides. 

Choppin's ambiguous "happiness" at the end of the story can be viewed extremely different in modern times where polygamous relationships, divorce, and affairs, are common. This happiness can be viewed as honest, artificial, or just different when coming to terms with a new culture, which may also be a sub theme of Choppin, analyzing how marriage is a changing institution and up to opinion as how it's to be maintained.

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