Desiree's Baby

Introduction

Like most of Kate Chopin's story, “Desiree's Baby” ends with an O. Henry-worthy twist. In this case, after an idyllic childhood and courtship, Armand and Desiree marry. They are young, beautiful, wealthy, and devotedly in love. What could make their bliss more profound? How about a baby? (Chopkin, 25)

When the baby arrives, however, matters take a turn for the worse. Shortly after its birth, the baby begins to exhibit physical characteristics that indicate some measure of African blood. Never does Chopin suggest that Desiree has been unfaithful to Armand. Apparently such a notion is inconceivable to Armand as well. Instead, the implication is clear: the foundling Desiree, despite her appearance, had black blood within her. This revelation turns Armand utterly against his beloved bride and child. In despair, Desiree walks away, baby in arms, and drowns herself in the bayou. (Ewell, 100)

“Desiree's Baby” by Kate Chopin is a very thought provoking short story that deals with the racism, prejudice and love. The story is set in the deep south of America when black and white people did not mix and blacks were seen as inferior. The story takes an unexpected turn and throughout Armand, Desiree's husband, changes and this has an effect on Desiree which then determines her fate. The characterisation, setting and plot show this change and they help emphasis this to the reader. (Chopkin, 25)

Discussion

“Desiree's baby” is about a young woman Desiree having a child. This was a time where it was very important for the 'purity' of a family to be kept and to have black descendents was a disgrace Armand, an extremely wealthy man, as it was to many people at this time in history. Desiree grew up unaware of her past and when the child is born Armand Aubigny throws her out of their home as he believes she has black descendants. At the end he discovers the remains of an old letter written by his mother that mixes up the whole story as it reveals it is he who has black descendants, his mother was a slave

Only later, as he is ridding the house of all reminders of his tainted wife and child, does Armand discover the letter, penned by his mother, in the back of a desk drawer. Here, the mother identifies herself as “a member of the race cursed with the brand of slavery.” Apparently, Armand had his own heritage to blame for his baby's “defect.”

The theme of race-mixing runs throughout this story for the attentive reader. Various slaves in the story are referred to as mulatto (half black), quadroon (quarter black), and yellow (light skinned). One old slave woman is called “La Blanche” (White). Desiree points out, during Armand's attacks, that he is darker than La Blanche. We initially dismiss this observation as the comparison between the darkness of an active, outdoor man and a more sheltered woman, but eventually we perceive the comparison to be significant. (Chopkin, 25)

By itself, this story underscores the ugly history of slave owners making concubines ...