Desiree's Baby Essay

In “Desiree’s Baby”, Chopin demonstrates that love is only skin-deep. Happiness was only proportioned by the idea that loved ones were from a white heritage, and not the “brand” of slavery. It is ironic that Armand’s racial prejudice led him to falsely accuse Desiree of being black, not only destroying his wife and child but also destroying his once highly self-proclaimed image. Chopin’s setting of the story had a major impact on Armand’s efforts as he was quick to dismiss his wife and the baby in order to eliminate the risk of his slaves challenging his authority as their slaveowner.

Irony was used effectively by Chopin throughout the story “Desiree’s Baby”. In the end, Armand’s self image suffered because of his action’s toward Desiree and their baby. It is even more ironic because in the end Armand was no different than his slaves yet Desiree would have loved him regardless of the colour of his skin. In addition, when Armand felt convinced that Desiree and the child were black, he falsely took his anger out against his slaves. Also, irony is well portrayed in this short story when Desiree approaches Armand and states: “Look at my hand; whiter than yours”. (Chopin, 2) This quotation is ironic because it has a concealed meaning due to the fact that it leads the reader to the eventual truth about Armand’s background, yet misleads the reader at the same time. Lastly, this literary element was well used when Desiree says: ”he hasn't punished one of them--not one of them--since baby is born.” (1) In this quotation, Desiree stresses the fact that Armand had not done anything cruel towards his slaves whatsoever since the birth of his child. This is very ironic because later in the story, Armand perceives that his wife and child were cursed with the “brand” of slavery and punishes his slaves cruelly.

The setting of the story, Louisiana, played a crucial role on Armand’s character as a husband, father, and slaveowner. Cruelty against slaves was part of Louisiana culture at that time and was considered “acceptable”. Racism was so entrenched in society at that time such that it allowed Armand to turn against those he loved the most, Desiree and his baby. He loved his wife and baby but could not escape his prejudicial beliefs. When Armand found out either himself or his wife was coloured, he had to do protect what he thought was more important than his family which was his job as a slaveowner. Chopin portrays Armand as a man who had everything going for him in writing: “...one of the oldest and proudest in Louisiana”. (1) This quotation justifies the respect and perception people had of Armand in the story. Armand being able to control his wife and child’s destiny was without anyone challenging his authority authenticates the fact that he was capable of doing many wrongs within Louisiana because of the trust he had inherited as a slaveowner.