Character Analysis:
Desiree Valmonde: The protagonist, characterized by her
beauty, kindness, and tragic fate. Her identity is tied to
her husband’s approval.
Armand Aubigny: The antagonist, whose pride and racism
lead to the destruction of his family. He is initially
loving but becomes cruel when faced with societal
pressures.
Madame Valmonde: Desiree's adoptive mother, who
represents unconditional love and acceptance, contrasting
with Armand's rejection.
Themes:
Racism: The story critiques the societal obsession with
race and the destructive consequences of racism.
Identity: Explores the complexities of identity, particularly
in relation to race and societal expectations.
Love and Betrayal: Examines the nature of love,
highlighting how it can be conditional and influenced by
societal norms.
Symbols:
The Baby: Represents innocence and the harsh realities of
racial identity.
Fire: Symbolizes Armand's rage and the destructive nature
of his love.
The Bayou: Represents both freedom and despair, serving
as the setting for Desiree's tragic end.
Literary Devices:
Irony: The situational irony of Armand's heritage being
the source of his shame.
Foreshadowing: Early hints about Desiree's unknown origins
set the stage for the story's climax.
Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the
emotional weight of the narrative.
In "Desiree's Baby" by Kate Chopin, the elements of
plot can be broken down as follows:
SettingTime: The story is set in the mid-19th century,
during a time when racial issues were deeply entrenched
in Southern society.
Place: The story takes place in Louisiana, primarily on
the plantation owned by Armand Aubigny and in the
surrounding bayou.
ExpositionThe story introduces Desiree, who was found as
a baby and adopted by the Valmonde family. She
marries Armand Aubigny, a wealthy plantation owner, and
they have a child together.
Rising ActionDesiree and Armand's life seems idyllic until
their baby is born. As the child grows, Desiree notices
that the baby has African features, which leads to
tension in their relationship.
Armand's attitude changes dramatically; he becomes cold
and distant, ultimately blaming Desiree for the child's
appearance and accusing her of having African ancestry.
Climax
The climax occurs when Desiree confronts Armand about
their child's appearance. In a moment of desperation, she
asks him if he thinks she is of mixed race. Armand's
harsh rejection and accusation that she is the cause of
their child's racial identity lead to a dramatic turning
point.
Falling Action
After the confrontation, Desiree takes her baby and
walks into the bayou, seemingly resigned to her fate.
She disappears, leaving her future uncertain.
Armand, in his anger and pride, dismisses Desiree and
the child, believing he has rid himself of the shame he
associates with them.
Resolution The story concludes with a twist: Armand
discovers a letter from his mother, revealing that he
himself is of mixed race. This revelation highlights the
irony of his actions and the tragic consequences of his
racism. The story ends with Armand's realization that he
is the one who carries the heritage he despised, leaving
him in a state of despair.
These elements work together to create a powerful
narrative that explores themes of identity, race, and the
destructive nature of societal norms.
External Conflict
The external conflict in the story primarily revolves
around the societal norms and racial prejudices of the
time. This conflict manifests in several ways:
Desiree vs. Armand: The most prominent external conflict
is between Desiree and her husband, Armand Aubigny.
After the birth of their child, Armand's attitude shifts
dramatically when he perceives that the baby has African
features. He blames Desiree for the child's appearance,
leading to a breakdown in their relationship. This conflict
is fueled by Armand's adherence to societal expectations
regarding race and purity.
Desiree vs. Society: Desiree faces the external pressures of
a society that is deeply entrenched in racial
discrimination. Her identity as an adopted child and her
unknown origins place her in a vulnerable position,
making her susceptible to societal judgment and rejection.
Armand vs. His Heritage: Armand's conflict with his own
heritage is also an external conflict, as he grapples with
the societal implications of being of mixed race. His
rejection of Desiree and their child is a reflection of
his internalized racism and the external pressures of
maintaining a certain social status.
Internal Conflict
The internal conflict in the story primarily revolves
around Desiree and Armand's struggles with their identities
and emotions:
Desiree's Internal Conflict: Desiree experiences profound
internal turmoil as she grapples with her identity and
her love for her child. When she realizes that her baby
is perceived as having African features, she is torn
between her love for her child and her fear of
rejection from Armand and society. Her internal conflict
culminates in her despair and ultimate decision to leave,
as she feels she has no place in a world that rejects
her and her child.
Armand's Internal Conflict: Armand's internal conflict is
rooted in his pride and his fear of being associated
with anything that threatens his social standing. He
struggles with his feelings for Desiree and the child, but
ultimately allows his racism and societal expectations to
dictate his actions. His internal conflict reaches a climax
when he discovers the truth about his own heritage,
leading to feelings of shame and despair.
Summary
In summary, the external conflict in "Desiree's Baby" is
primarily driven by societal norms and the relationship
between Desiree and Armand, while the internal conflict
revolves around the characters' struggles with their
identities, emotions, and the consequences of their actions.
Both types of conflict are intricately woven into the
narrative, enhancing the story's exploration of themes
related to race, identity, and societal expectations.
1. Desiree Valmonde
Character Development: Desiree begins as a
loving and devoted wife and mother. She is
initially confident in her relationship with
Armand and her role as a mother. However,
as the story progresses and she faces
Armand's rejection and the societal implications
of her child's appearance, she undergoes a
profound transformation. Her internal conflict
leads her to question her identity and her
place in the world.
Dynamic or Static: Dynamic. Desiree's character
evolves from a position of love and security
to one of despair and isolation. Her ultimate
decision to leave with her child reflects her
tragic acceptance of her situation and the
societal rejection she faces.
2. Armand Aubigny
Character Development: Armand starts as a
passionate and seemingly loving husband, but
his character quickly shifts when he perceives
that his child has African features. His love
turns to cruelty, and he becomes consumed by
pride and racism. He is unwilling to accept
any part of his heritage that contradicts his
beliefs about race and purity.
Dynamic or Static: Dynamic. Armand's character
undergoes a significant change, particularly in
his attitudes and actions toward Desiree and
their child. However, his ultimate realization
about his own heritage at the end of the
story leads to a moment of despair, indicating
a deeper internal conflict that he has not
resolved.
3. Madame Valmonde
Character Development: Madame Valmonde,
Desiree's adoptive mother, is portrayed as a
loving and supportive figure. She expresses
concern for Desiree and her child but does
not undergo significant change throughout the
story. Her character serves as a contrast to
Armand's harshness.
Dynamic or Static: Static. Madame Valmonde
remains consistent in her love and support for
Desiree. She does not experience a
transformation or significant development, as her
role is primarily to provide a sense of
stability and maternal care.
4. The Baby
Character Development: The baby, while not a
fully developed character, serves as a crucial
symbol in the story. The child's appearance
becomes the catalyst for the conflict between
Desiree and Armand.
Dynamic or Static: Static. The baby does not
undergo any development, as the child is an
infant. However, the baby’s existence and
features drive the plot and highlight the
themes of race and identity
