Désirée’s Baby by Kate Chopin. This is another story by the same author who wrote last week’s Story of an Hour. It’s the only time in the term that we’ll be reading two works by the same author.
QUESTION
Désirée’s Baby by Kate Chopin. This is another story by the same author who wrote last week’s Story of an Hour. It’s the only time in the term that we’ll be reading two works by the same author.
Respond to the following questions. SPOILERS — Reading the questions may ruin some of the story for you, so wait until you’ve finished reading it. ;o}
- Does Madame Valmondé know the truth about Désirée’s baby before Désirée herself does? Let’s look for evidence within the text. (Chopin offers plenty of clues.)
- Midway through the short story, Chopin likens Armand to Satan: “And the very spirit of Satan seemed to suddenly take hold of him in his dealings with the slaves” (p. 2). Although this is a turning point in the story, there are hints of Armand’s darkness from the very beginning. Let’s identify these clues in the first couple pages of the story.
- What are some themes in this story?
- What do you think Chopin is saying about race in America
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ANSWER
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Exploring Race and Prejudice in America: Analysis of “Désirée’s Baby” by Kate Chopin
In Kate Chopin’s “Désirée’s Baby,” Madame Valmondé indeed knows the truth about Désirée’s baby before Désirée herself does. This can be inferred from the text through various clues and hints. When Désirée’s baby is a few weeks old, Madame Valmondé pays a visit to L’Abri, the plantation owned by Armand, Désirée’s husband. As she holds the baby in her arms, Madame Valmondé observes that the child has a resemblance to the Valmondé family, remarking, “This is not the baby!” (Chopin, p. 4). This implies that Madame Valmondé is aware of some crucial information regarding the baby’s true parentage.
Furthermore, Madame Valmondé’s reaction to the baby’s appearance suggests that she already knows the truth. She exclaims, “Oh, Armand is the proudest father in the parish, I believe, chiefly because it is a boy, to bear his name” (Chopin, p. 4). The emphasis on Armand’s pride and the baby bearing his name implies that Madame Valmondé understands the significance of the child’s race in Armand’s eyes (Désirée’s Baby | Encyclopedia.com, n.d.).
As for Armand’s darkness, there are indeed hints of it from the beginning of the story. Chopin describes Armand as having “dark, handsome face” (Chopin, p. 1), which, although seemingly innocent, foreshadows the underlying darkness that is later revealed. Additionally, Armand’s behavior towards the slaves is mentioned early on, indicating his cruel nature. The comparison to Satan midway through the story serves as a turning point, highlighting Armand’s transformation into a malevolent character.
In terms of themes, “Désirée’s Baby” explores the complexities of race, identity, and social hierarchy. One of the central themes is the destructive power of prejudice and racism. Armand’s treatment of Désirée and their child is driven by his realization that their racial background is different from his own (Désirée’s Baby | Encyclopedia.com, n.d.-b). The story sheds light on how societal expectations and racial prejudices can lead to the devaluation and mistreatment of individuals based on their ancestry.
Another theme is the concept of identity and belonging. Désirée, as a woman of unknown origin, struggles to find her place in a society that values lineage and heritage. Her uncertain background becomes a source of conflict, as her husband’s rejection of her and the baby threatens her sense of self and belonging (123helpme.com, 2021).
Chopin’s commentary on race in America, as depicted in “Désirée’s Baby,” is a complex and nuanced one. Through the story, Chopin exposes the hypocrisy and irrationality of racial prejudices. Armand’s initial love and adoration for Désirée crumbles as he learns of her supposed mixed heritage (The Routledge Handbook of Love in Philosophy [PDF] [73vqkrm4eeq0], n.d.). This reveals the arbitrary nature of race and the shallow foundations on which prejudices are built.
Chopin challenges the prevailing notions of racial superiority and highlights the tragic consequences of such beliefs. By portraying Armand as the embodiment of racism, she condemns the destructive power of prejudice and its ability to tear apart relationships and lives.
Overall, “Désirée’s Baby” offers a scathing critique of the racial prejudices prevalent in society at the time. It urges readers to question the arbitrary divisions created by race and to recognize the humanity and worth of every individual, irrespective of their ancestry. Chopin’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive consequences of prejudice and the importance of embracing tolerance and acceptance in a diverse society.
References
123helpme.com. (2021). Gender Roles in Chopins Desirees Baby and A Point at Issue. www.123helpme.com. https://www.123helpme.com/essay/Gender-Roles-in-Chopins-Desirees-Baby-and-39482
Désirée’s Baby | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/desirees-baby
The Routledge Handbook Of Love In Philosophy [PDF] [73vqkrm4eeq0]. (n.d.). https://vdoc.pub/documents/the-routledge-handbook-of-love-in-philosophy-73vqkrm4eeq0
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