Themes: Racism
Chopin’s story depicts the clear and systematic racism of antebellum Louisiana and, by extension, the United States as a whole. Before leaving L’Abri, Désirée has led the same privileged life as those born into the upper-class South, though she was a foundling. This existence is possible because she is white. Armand, her husband, is the epitome of a vain, cruel plantation owner of the period. He mistreats the enslaved people who work for him, though the presence of Désirée and the birth of their baby both temporarily ameliorate his behavior. Armand was supposedly madly in love with Désirée, but the moment he concludes that the baby—his own baby—is not white, he coldly rejects both of them, not only encouraging Désirée to leave their home but also not having the slightest concern as to what will become of their child.
The mere fact of a society based on race slavery is cruel enough, but one might think that some measure of kindness would be possible even toward those who are regarded as inferior based on their skin color. Armand, however, seems to lack even the smallest capacity for basic human compassion. Racism extends to those whose ancestry is only a fraction Black. Among the enslaved people at L’Abri, Armand’s estate, are “quadroons” (an outdated term for those with one-quarter Black ancestry) and other people of mixed white and Black descent. In fact, Armand himself is mixed-race, as is proven by his mother’s letter at the end of the story—and yet this does not induce him to treat others with care.
Expert Q&A
In "Désirée's Baby," why does Armand marry Désirée without considering her origins?
Armand marries Désirée without considering her origins because he is deeply in love with her, having fallen for her instantly, as described metaphorically as being struck by a "pistol shot." His passion for her is so overwhelming that it blinds him to concerns about her ancestry. Since Désirée was adopted and her biological origins were unknown, Armand assumes any African ancestry in their child comes from her, despite her appearance.
What's a thesis statement for "Désirée's Baby" addressing racial undertones and Armand's ironic heritage?
A thesis statement for "Désirée's Baby" addressing racial undertones and Armand's ironic heritage could be: Armand's heritage, revealed as a plot twist, illustrates the absurdity of racial purity. Chopin foreshadows questions about Désirée's racial heritage through symbolic shadows and descriptions, emphasizing the preoccupation with race and the irony of Armand's own mixed ancestry.
Why does Armand think Désirée is the reason their child isn't white?
Armand believes Désirée is the reason their child isn't white due to her unknown parentage after being abandoned as a baby. When their child shows a dark complexion, Armand accuses Désirée of not being white. This accusation leads to Désirée's despair and disappearance. Ironically, Armand later discovers a letter revealing that his own mother was of African descent, not Désirée, making him the source of their child's mixed ancestry.
What is the significance of Désirée's response to Armand's claim that she is not white?
"It is a lie; it is not true, I am white! Look at my hair, it is brown; and my eyes are gray, Armand, you know they are gray. And my skin is fair," seizing his wrist. "Look at my hand; whiter than yours, Armand," she laughed hysterically.
Désirée's response to Armand's claim about her race highlights her reliance on her physical appearance to assert her whiteness, as she lacks knowledge of her heritage due to her mysterious origins. Her hysterical reaction underscores her fear of having African ancestry. Ironically, Armand's accusation reflects his own hidden biracial identity, revealed later through a letter from his mother, indicating his deeper fear of societal judgment on his lineage.
How did Armand treat his slaves in "Désirée's Baby"?
Armand treats his slaves cruelly before becoming a father. When Désirée's baby is born, Armand's personality softens, and his interactions with slaves reflect a more gentle nature. However, when he comes to believe that his wife and child are Black, he becomes like "Satan" in his dealings with the slaves he owns.
Why is Désirée's unknown background significant and how does it relate to Zandrine?
Désirée's unknown background is significant because it foreshadows the racial prejudice central to the story. Her untraceable origins allow Armand to blame her for their child's mixed race, leading to their expulsion. Zandrine, the nurse with a mixed racial background, highlights these themes, as Madame Valmondé observes the baby's skin color compared to Zandrine's. Ultimately, the story reveals Armand's own mixed heritage, underscoring themes of hypocrisy and the destructive nature of racism.
How were others' treatments of Désirée influenced by their suspicions?
The treatment of Désirée by others was heavily influenced by suspicions regarding her and her baby's racial background. Madame Valmondé's scrutinizing gaze and Armand's increasingly cold demeanor towards Désirée and their child reflect these suspicions. As Armand's behavior worsens, Désirée realizes the societal implications when comparing her child to a quadroon boy. Armand ultimately accuses Désirée of not being white, which drastically alters their relationship and her status.
What are some examples of Naturalism, especially regarding racism and prejudice, in "Désirée's Baby"?
Naturalism in "Désirée's Baby" is evident through themes of heredity, social environment, determinism, and human nature. The story critiques 19th-century scientific racism, highlighting how Armand's prejudice leads to his rejection of Désirée and their child based on assumptions about race. Characters act from passion rather than reason, as seen in Armand's impulsive actions driven by rage and prejudice. His poor choices lead to personal ruin, illustrating Naturalism's focus on the consequences of human behavior.
Désirée's and Armand's reactions to discovering their baby's racial status and its impact on their relationship
In "Désirée's Baby," Désirée is initially shocked and devastated upon discovering her baby's racial status, while Armand responds with anger and rejection. This revelation severely impacts their relationship, leading Armand to blame Désirée and ultimately causing her to leave with their child. Armand's reaction is rooted in his racial prejudices, which overshadow his love for Désirée.
The reasons behind Désirée's denial and accusation of having African ancestry in "Désirée's Baby."
In "Désirée's Baby," Désirée is denied and accused of having African ancestry due to her adoptive parents’ uncertain background and the racial prejudices of the time. Her husband, Armand, believes she must be part African when their baby appears to have African features, leading to her rejection and tragic end.
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