"The Storm" Reading Literature pg. 198

1. The coming storm shows the reader some of the qualities and emotions of the characters. Bobinot is described to be caring to his wife, shown when he buys her the shrimp. Calixta is described as worrisome due to the storm, and as usual. The storm is the cause of everything that happens throughout the piece. The storm gives a reason for the interaction between Alcèe and Calixta, as well as Bibi and Bobinot being forced to stay in Friedheimer's store. 
2. I see it as somewhat both. It can be taken literally, meaning the storm was over and so was the rush of emotion that was caused by the storm's passing. In the irony sense, there is no way Calixta and Alcèe are completely happy, based on their interactions in the piece. 
3. The details tell us that Calixta is married to Bobinot and has a son, Bibi. The reader also finds out that Calixta and Alcèe had once been lovers; their interaction during the storm shows this to be true.