Desiree's Baby Group

Question:

huong
huong
Student
College - Freshman

Although "Desiree's Baby" is setin America, why do all of the characters have French names?

 

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Posted by huong on Wednesday June 10, 2009 at 9:41 PM and tagged with characters, desiree's baby, french, names.

Answers:


  1. epollock Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    huong,

    Kate Chopin primarily wrote about the inhabitants of Louisiana and the surrounding area. Though Louisiana was initially explored by the Spanish, the French were the first to permanently settle in the area in the 17th Cent.

    In “Désirée’s Baby,” the French have wonderful distinctive cultural traits which Chopin wanted to bring to the attention of the Northern US and to the rest of the world.

    The French atmosphere in the story can be seen the moment the character names are revealed. All of the characters descend from French immigrants, so that is why they have French names, both first and last.

    Désirée is also a French name and she devlops in a household where “French was the language spoken,” and Chopin uses many French phrases.

    The character of Armand spends the first eight years of his life in Paris. This builds an interesting French environment and world as seen through colorful, distinctive characters.

    After all, you have heard of the carnival celebration of Mardi Gras, haven't you? It's name is French for "Fat Tuesday."

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/desirees-baby
    http://www.enotes.com/desirees-baby/characters

    Rate answer:

    Posted by epollock on Thursday June 11, 2009 at 12:46 AM