DB Question #5 & #6

5. In dealing with relationships, from an outside perspective, one can never fully understand the actions of others. Chopin's portrayal of both parties and their significant others leaves many questions to be answered: "How close are the characters?", "Do their significant others know or even suspect their feelings for each other?", "Why does Chopin leave us in the dark about the details of the background of each character?". Chopin seems to leave room for many questions, however, the same can be said for relationships with people in our own lives. From the outside looking in, we can all assume what may be happening within a relationship. Unless we experience it firsthand, we are not able to relay the true meaning and magnitude of the emotions felt and decisions made. Maybe we are not meant to ask questions, but to simply allow events to take place and to figure out what to do from there on out. We cannot define what love means to one person because love means so many things to different people.

6. "The Storm"'s ending was not expected, nor was it what I particularly would have hoped for, however, it does occur in life. Society values fidelity and the ability to withstand temptation when emotion and logic are conflicting. Stories can either end reflecting the values of society, straying from it, or meeting it somewhere in between. The stories that stir the most questions and controversy are the ones that stray and invite the reader to experience something outside of the norm. In "real life", the affair would be revealed, causing a rift between characters and trust lost. Chopin offers readers to experience an affair without all the guilt. People often feel the need to "come out" when the guilt overpowers their conscience or when they are caught. It is what usually happens in real life. However, the ending may be "open" in order for the reader to view relationships and affairs from a different perspective.