Structured as a “local color” work of fiction, the story’s setting, events, and characters are chronicled in a straightforward and unromantic fashion. The third-person omniscient narration provides an outsider’s perspective, viewing and critiquing each of the four main characters and the customs of the Cajun region of Louisiana.

“At the ’Cadian Ball” examines the relationships of two couples, Alcée and Clarisse, and Bobinôt and Calixta. Bobinôt and Calixta occupy a lower social class than Alcée and Clarisse. However, it is rumored that Calixta and Alcée previously had an affair in a location aptly named Assumption, and they reunite at the ’Cadian ball, where they engage in intimate conversation.

Alcée never considers Calixta as anything more than a “li’le fling” most likely because of her social standing. With that said, he runs to her in his time of need, grasping her hand and not letting go, passionately brushing his lips against her and proposing that they resume their affair. This more heated interaction, which is immediately contrasted with the serious and cold marriage agreement between Calixta and Bobinôt, comments on the shortcomings of marriages confined by social class.