Desirees Baby Essay

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Desiree’s Baby Written by Kate Chopin Désirée's Baby is a short story centering on human relationships in the southern United States before the Civil War. Kate Chopin wrote it in the fall of 1892 and Vogue magazine published it in January 1893. The story takes place in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century on two Louisiana plantations, one called Valmondé, a family name, and the other called L'Abri which is French for shelter. The story begins in the warm-weather months and ends in autumn. The story is told in the third person view, explaining the events that took place as well as each character’s thoughts. Kate Chopin brought attention to the racial issues that existed during the times of slavery through her short story “Désirée’s Baby” which introduces the two main characters in the story, Désirée and Armand, and contains many symbolisms, ironies, and themes. Eighteen years later, Desiree is now a “beautiful and gentle, affectionate and sincere” young lady. Desiree was to be married to a man named Armand Aubigny, a neighboring plantation owner and bearer of one of the finest names in Louisiana. Although Désirée's father reminds Armand that Désirée's heritage is unknown, Armand says that doesn't matter, that he will give her a new name. Soon after their marriage, they had a baby. They had a perfect life. Armand was so happy about the baby that his mood lightens and he no longer punishes any of the Negroes. Seeing Armand as her husband, Desiree was happy as well, who was deeply in love with him. But when the baby is three months old, a dark spirit descends over Armand. He is sullen and stern. Gone from his eyes is the gleam of love for his wife. Sometimes he stays away from home for long periods. Desiree discovers the reason for his change in attitude when she noticed the colour of the baby’s skin. The baby’s skin was same colour as the slave who
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