what is the hurricane in the story?

In this context, the word itself relates to difficult times. The most literal interpretation of the title is as a reference to the steadily worsening weather on New Year’s Eve. The strength of the hurricane, and its eventual dissipation, reflect the economic and relationship problems that Victor’s family suffers. However, the story also refers to the fight between Victor’s uncles as a “little kind of hurricane” (3). This description evokes the destructive power of Adolph and Arnold’s fight, but also emphasizes that it is a small hiccup in the context of their lifelong relationship.