Desiree's Baby Group

Question:

sparkleher31
sparkleher31
Student
College - Junior

What does the comparison between Desiree and LaBlanche tell us about the way race recasts the meaning of motherhood under slavery?

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Posted by sparkleher31 on Monday January 19, 2009 at 9:48 AM and tagged with compare, desiree, lablanche, race.

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  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Interesting question.  Chopin does not give the reader much information about LaBlanche but does let us know that she has her own cabin, is visited by men (most likely for sexual favors), and is part white.

    Race, or the perception of it, most certainly affects American motherhood in the face of slavery.  Because Desiree is perceived to be white (and truly is), her lack of aristocratic genes does not matter.  She is counted worthy enough to marry Armand. LaBlanche and Desiree might have looked much the same, but because people knew her ancestral background, she was exiled to the life of a slave.

    Because Desiree is considered white, she has all the conveniences of a nurse, nursery, and help that she might need as a mother. Because LaBlanche is considered black (or mulatto), she must make it on her own, and her children are forced into slavery.

    In Desiree's time period, race means everything when it comes to what opportunity is available to a mother and her child.

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

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    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Sunday July 19, 2009 at 12:16 PM