Desiree's Baby

Laura Diakiw

English Comp II

Essay #4

April 15, 2010

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin

Chopin’s “Desiree’s Baby” is a quick glance into social structures occurring in Louisiana during the 1800’s. Desiree, a gentle and good-hearted young woman has just had a baby. Married to Armand Aubigny, a wealthy and prominent figure in Louisiana, Desiree was found as a baby on the doorstep of Madame Valmonde. Raised by the Valmonde’s as if she were their own, she is shocked to see how dismissive her husband comes to be after learning something about Desiree’s lineage.

Desiree, even though slavery was thriving at the time, was apparent to not like the mistreatment of the slaves her and Armand owned. Easily excited and merry, she thrillingly tells Madame Valmondethat since they’ve been married, Armand had stopped punishing the slaves. Both she and Armand also cared deeply for their new little boy, Armand especially being pleased with having a predecessor. Armand was described as being harsh and strict with his slaves before his marriage to Desiree, even though it was said that his own father treated his slaves well. Armand married Desiree even though she was “nameless,” and claimed to love her nonetheless. However, when suspicion arose that the baby was of color, he automatically blamed and discarded Desiree as being the cause of this disgrace that was thrust upon him. It was not until after he sent Desiree and the baby away that he discovered it was him that carried the African-American in his genes. Armand was a direct product of the environment during the 1800’s, acting out on his racism and pride. Desiree would have loved her child no matter what, and Armand couldn’t even love what he himself had created.

The main conflict in this story is that of race and the different levels of society. Armand was conceited and felt that he was above having a family of color, even though that is what he himself turned out to be. He couldn’t overcome his own prejudices to...