Kate Chopin's short story, Desiree's Baby, is a work that explores multiple themes commonly considered taboo for late 19th century discussion. Most writers of the time rarely elucidated on such themes; and least of all female writers. To fully appreciate the work in its entirety, one must first understand the social critique of the times and then formulate an idea of just how impactful a story such as this one could be. This was an era in which the majority of creative literature focused on idealized themes such as tender romance, fictional adventure, and the presumed glory of the South. Touching on society's constructs men were still seen as infinitely superior to women and white individuals as the dominant race. Therefore, it is understandable why Chopin's work stood out in sharp contrast to the fanciful yet widely accepted narratives so recurrent
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“Desiree’s Baby” though concise considering its content, was a tenable and revolutionary step towards literary realism. The work unashamedly displays more realistic subjects; subjects such as racial relations in a time when the idea of slavery was commonplace, as well as the mistreatment and frequent devaulelization of women. But perhaps above all, Desiree's Baby depicts a certain view of the hypocrisy of the Grand Old South’s traditions and expectations. In short it is the blatant honesty of the authoress that makes the story so powerful, compelling, and all around outstanding.
A common saying amongst writers is that “the setting is half the story”, which in the case of Desiree’s Baby at least, proves itself to be true. The story is set in antebellum Creole Louisiana, a setting which in itself allows the reader to make certain
“Desiree’s Baby” though concise considering its content, was a tenable and revolutionary step towards literary realism. The work unashamedly displays more realistic subjects; subjects such as racial relations in a time when the idea of slavery was commonplace, as well as the mistreatment and frequent devaulelization of women. But perhaps above all, Desiree's Baby depicts a certain view of the hypocrisy of the Grand Old South’s traditions and expectations. In short it is the blatant honesty of the authoress that makes the story so powerful, compelling, and all around outstanding.
A common saying amongst writers is that “the setting is half the story”, which in the case of Desiree’s Baby at least, proves itself to be true. The story is set in antebellum Creole Louisiana, a setting which in itself allows the reader to make certain