Final answer:
Characters' behaviors before a storm are influenced by their past experiences and reflections, with the storm acting as a catalyst for personal growth and change, and prompting reflection on life choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The events preceding the storm in the various passages provided seem to illustrate characters' anticipation, reflections on past experiences, and the impact those experiences have on their present perceptions and actions. For example, Venters, who experiences a change in himself post-storm, appears invigorated and ready to face challenges, indicating that the storm might act as a catalyst for personal growth and change.
The storm also serves as a symbolic event that causes characters to confront their fears and expectations, like Bess, who questions herself and is reassured by Venters's reaction to the upcoming storm. Moreover, the anticipation of the storm brings about a sense of reflection and an assessment of life choices, as seen in the passage where the correspondent contemplates the indifference of nature versus the struggles of individuals. These examples demonstrate how characters' behaviors and attitudes can be explained by their past encounters and emotional states leading up to the storm, which acts as both a literal and metaphorical agent for transformation.