The short story, "Desiree's Baby", written by Kate Chopin, set in Louisiana's 1892 slave era, was influenced by the irony of love and prejudices. In the story, Chopin depicts how racial bias overthrows the love a man had for his wife and child. An analysis of the story proves the irony by illustrating judgment on appearances, through racism, and self-destruction.
In the beginning, it's ironic that appearances don't seem to matter. At first sight, Armand falls in love with Desiree, without knowing her ethnic background. Also, with the understanding that the origin of her parentage was unknown. With Desiree being nameless, Armand knew the way people would perceive them to be important, but he didn’t consider it to be. "What did it matter about …show more content…
“When the baby was about three months old, Desiree awoke one day to the conviction that there was something in the air menacing her peace”(82). With the feeling something was wrong, Desiree pondered over her convictions and demanded Armand explain what they could mean. With accusations, Armand answered, "The child is not white, it means that you are not white"(83). Upon Desiree hearing she may not be white, she wrote to her mother seeking clarification of her ethnic background. “My mother, they tell me I am not white. Armand has told me I am not white. For God’s sake tell them it is not true. You must know it is not true”(83). Once she received a reply, Armand told Desiree he wanted her to leave. Being cast out, she believed her and the child would not be accepted, so she walked out of the house, straight to her death. “I shall die. I must die. I cannot be so unhappy, and live”(83). Armand no longer loved or accepted his wife and child because he believed they had brought shame upon him and his name. He took all their belongings and burned them on a pyre in the yard. “In the centre of the smoothly swept back yard was a great bonfire. Armand Aubigny sat in the
In the beginning, it's ironic that appearances don't seem to matter. At first sight, Armand falls in love with Desiree, without knowing her ethnic background. Also, with the understanding that the origin of her parentage was unknown. With Desiree being nameless, Armand knew the way people would perceive them to be important, but he didn’t consider it to be. "What did it matter about …show more content…
“When the baby was about three months old, Desiree awoke one day to the conviction that there was something in the air menacing her peace”(82). With the feeling something was wrong, Desiree pondered over her convictions and demanded Armand explain what they could mean. With accusations, Armand answered, "The child is not white, it means that you are not white"(83). Upon Desiree hearing she may not be white, she wrote to her mother seeking clarification of her ethnic background. “My mother, they tell me I am not white. Armand has told me I am not white. For God’s sake tell them it is not true. You must know it is not true”(83). Once she received a reply, Armand told Desiree he wanted her to leave. Being cast out, she believed her and the child would not be accepted, so she walked out of the house, straight to her death. “I shall die. I must die. I cannot be so unhappy, and live”(83). Armand no longer loved or accepted his wife and child because he believed they had brought shame upon him and his name. He took all their belongings and burned them on a pyre in the yard. “In the centre of the smoothly swept back yard was a great bonfire. Armand Aubigny sat in the