The Other Side
the other Philosophy Sociology pronoun That which is distinct from, different from, or opposite to something or oneself.
The theme of one’s superiority over others, created by prejudiced views in society is explored in Kate Chopin’s short story “Desiree’s Baby.” Armand Aubigny is a character influenced by the prejudiced views he has been brought up with in his actions towards those he, and society deem as below him. This, and the periodic change that love plays on his behavior is explored through Chopin’s establishment of setting, plot, characterization, and symbolism. The use of various literary devices can evoke a critical view on the concept of othering.
The setting of the short story provides an outlook for the way the …show more content…
Armand expresses his love and affection of Desiree by buying her fine clothes and other possessions as he expects her to be bought by these just as any other possession of his. Similarly, as the plantation owner, the slaves are Armand’s possessions, reinforcing his outlook on them as objects totally different from him. This idea ties in to the resolution at the end where Armand commands the slaves to burn Desiree’s possessions enforcing his superiority and idea of othering. The plantation L’Abri is symbolic in that it is a gothic and dreadful place providing a tie in to the atmosphere of the story. There is a sense of unhappiness between the dark and hidden nature of the plantation which Madame Valmonde’s thoughts describe as “a sad looking place, which for many years had not known the gentle presence of a mistress.” (1) The gentleness is brought upon with Desiree’s presence at L’Abri and well as brushed over Armand’s behavior. The overall symbolic nature of L’Abri emphasizes Armand’s cruelty in othering Desiree and the slaves from himself due to his belief of superiority and the wealth L’Abri gives him. Lastly, the significance of Desiree’s name, is quite an important symbol in the short story, even given a place in the title. The word means desire in French, and it is desire for her that softens Armand’s view on others distinct from him. The
the other Philosophy Sociology pronoun That which is distinct from, different from, or opposite to something or oneself.
The theme of one’s superiority over others, created by prejudiced views in society is explored in Kate Chopin’s short story “Desiree’s Baby.” Armand Aubigny is a character influenced by the prejudiced views he has been brought up with in his actions towards those he, and society deem as below him. This, and the periodic change that love plays on his behavior is explored through Chopin’s establishment of setting, plot, characterization, and symbolism. The use of various literary devices can evoke a critical view on the concept of othering.
The setting of the short story provides an outlook for the way the …show more content…
Armand expresses his love and affection of Desiree by buying her fine clothes and other possessions as he expects her to be bought by these just as any other possession of his. Similarly, as the plantation owner, the slaves are Armand’s possessions, reinforcing his outlook on them as objects totally different from him. This idea ties in to the resolution at the end where Armand commands the slaves to burn Desiree’s possessions enforcing his superiority and idea of othering. The plantation L’Abri is symbolic in that it is a gothic and dreadful place providing a tie in to the atmosphere of the story. There is a sense of unhappiness between the dark and hidden nature of the plantation which Madame Valmonde’s thoughts describe as “a sad looking place, which for many years had not known the gentle presence of a mistress.” (1) The gentleness is brought upon with Desiree’s presence at L’Abri and well as brushed over Armand’s behavior. The overall symbolic nature of L’Abri emphasizes Armand’s cruelty in othering Desiree and the slaves from himself due to his belief of superiority and the wealth L’Abri gives him. Lastly, the significance of Desiree’s name, is quite an important symbol in the short story, even given a place in the title. The word means desire in French, and it is desire for her that softens Armand’s view on others distinct from him. The