Desiree’s Baby Summary: A Comprehensive Analysis
Desiree’s Baby is a short story by Kate Chopin, first published in 1893. It is a story of love, racism, and tragedy. The story follows the life of Desiree, a young woman who is adopted as a baby and grows up in a wealthy Louisiana family. She falls in love with Armand, a man from a prominent family, and they marry. Soon after their marriage, it is revealed that Armand’s family is of mixed race, and that he is of African descent. Armand is horrified by the news and turns on Desiree, blaming her for the revelation. He orders her to leave, and she is forced to abandon her home and her baby. The story ends tragically, with Desiree wandering alone in the wilderness, never to be seen again.
Themes in Desiree’s Baby
Desiree’s Baby is a story that explores a number of themes, including racism, love, and tragedy. Racism is a major theme in the story, as it is revealed that Armand is of African descent. This revelation causes a rift between the couple, and Armand’s family is quick to blame Desiree for the revelation. The story also explores the theme of love, as Desiree and Armand’s love for each other is strong despite the racism and tragedy that befalls them. Finally, the story is a tragedy, as Desiree is forced to abandon her home and her baby, never to be seen again.
The Characters of Desiree’s Baby
The main characters of Desiree’s Baby are Desiree, Armand, and their baby. Desiree is a young woman who is adopted as a baby and grows up in a wealthy Louisiana family. She is a kind and gentle person who is deeply in love with Armand. Armand is from a prominent family and is of mixed race. He is horrified when he learns of his African heritage and turns on Desiree, blaming her for the revelation. The baby is the child of Desiree and Armand, and is a symbol of their love and the tragedy that befalls them.
The Setting of Desiree’s Baby
Desiree’s Baby is set in Louisiana in the late 19th century. The story takes place in a wealthy plantation owned by Armand’s family. The plantation is a symbol of the wealth and privilege enjoyed by the family, and is a stark contrast to the poverty and oppression experienced by African Americans in the area. The story also takes place in the wilderness, where Desiree is forced to wander alone after being banished by Armand.
The Symbolism of Desiree’s Baby
Desiree’s Baby is full of symbolism, from the plantation to the baby. The plantation is a symbol of the wealth and privilege enjoyed by the family, and is a stark contrast to the poverty and oppression experienced by African Americans in the area. The baby is a symbol of the love between Desiree and Armand, and of the tragedy that befalls them. Finally, the wilderness is a symbol of Desiree’s loneliness and despair after being banished by Armand.
The Impact of Desiree’s Baby
Desiree’s Baby is a powerful story that has had a lasting impact on literature and culture. The story is an exploration of racism, love, and tragedy, and has been seen as a commentary on the social and racial issues of the time. The story has also been seen as a critique of the power dynamics between men and women in society. Finally, the story has been seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prejudice and ignorance.
Conclusion
Desiree’s Baby is a powerful and timeless story that explores themes of racism, love, and tragedy. The story has had a lasting impact on literature and culture, and is a cautionary tale about the dangers of prejudice and ignorance. The story is full of symbolism, from the plantation to the baby, and is a powerful exploration of the power dynamics between men and women in society. If you haven’t read it yet, we highly recommend that you do.
