Kate Chopin's Désirée's Baby

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary reason that "Désirée's Baby" stands out in Kate Chopin's Bayou Folk collection?

It emphasizes the idyllic beauty of Louisiana's natural landscape.

It's use of humor and lighthearted themes, contrasting with the other stories.

It is the only story that presents a happy marriage and family life.

It focuses on serious themes of racial prejudice and its tragic consequences. (correct)

Why does Madame Valmondé’s question, 'What does Armand say?', create suspense in the story?

It makes it clear that Armand is the only person who can save them.

It indicates that Madame Valmondé is aware of a secret about Désirée's background.

It suggests that Madame Valmondé is more concerned with Armand's opinions than her daughter's well-being or the baby's health. (correct)

It highlights her concern about Armand's financial status.

What is the significance of the observation that the baby and the enslaved mixed-race boy look alike?

It signals the potential for racial reconciliation in the community.

It shows that the enslaved boy is related to Armand's family.

It serves as the inciting incident, revealing the baby's mixed racial heritage and its implications. (correct)

It highlights the close relationship between the baby and the enslaved population.

How does Désirée initially react to Armand's love and acceptance?

<p>She is overjoyed, as her moods are dependent on his kindness and approval. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the description of the trees casting a shadow like a "pall" on Armand's plantation, L'Abri, suggest?

<p>It foreshadows the tragic events that unfold at the plantation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who is Désirée named after?

The character's arrival as a lost child fulfilled the couple's greatest desire, giving them a child.

What is the significance of the description of Armand's plantation, L'Abri?

Armand's plantation is described as shadowed and gloomy, foreshadowing the darkness of the story's themes.

Why does Madame Valmondé's question, "What does Armand say?" create suspense?

Madame Valmondé's concern for Armand instead of the baby implies that Armand's reaction is more important than the baby's well-being.

What is the inciting incident in "Désirée's Baby"?

The realization that her baby's mixed race heritage could lead to rejection and potential harm in a society valuing whiteness is Désirée's turning point.

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What is the main theme of "Désirée's Baby"?

The story explores the hypocrisy and exploitation inherent in a society built upon racial discrimination, highlighting the tragic consequences for both the discriminated against and those complicit in the discrimination.

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Study Notes

Kate Chopin's "Désirée's Baby" - Study Notes

Collection & Focus: "Désirée's Baby" appears in Chopin's 1894 collection Bayou Folk. Unlike other humorous stories, it explores serious themes.
Themes: Hypocrisy, exploitation, racial discrimination, and their impact.
Protagonist: Désirée Valmondé, a young woman adopted by a childless couple, who marries Armand Aubigny.
Setting: Pre-Civil War Louisiana plantation.
Conflict Introduction: The story begins with the birth of a baby, introducing tension via Madame Valmondé's observation.
Suspense & Questions: Madame Valmondé's concern about Armand rather than the baby creates suspense. The question "What does Armand say?" highlights the conflict.
Désirée's Dependency & Obliviousness: Désirée's happiness is dependent on Armand's. Her obliviousness to underlying issues foreshadows tragedy.
Inciting Incident: Désirée observes that the baby resembles the biracial son of an enslaved woman.
Rising Action & Confrontation: Désirée confronts Armand, realizing the baby's mixed heritage is a disgrace.
Armand's Racism: Armand's accusations reveal his racist motivations. He claims Désirée is also not white. The societal consequences of mixed heritage (ostracization, potential enslavement) are starkly presented.
Désirée's Response: Désirée's fear and despair are intense; she panics at the social implications.
Climax: Désirée leaves with the baby, seeking freedom as she has no hope. She flees to the bayou and suggests that she drowns both herself and the baby.
Falling Action & Armand's Actions: Armand burns Désirée’s possessions and love letters, with one letter hidden, revealing Armand's mother revealed his own dark, racially-based secret.
Twist Conclusion: Armand's hidden letter reveals his mother's confession of Armand's dark racial heritage. Therefore, Armand's racism has roots in his own heritage.
Reinforced Theme: The story underscores that race is a social construct, and the hypocrisy of the system impacts everyone. Armand's fate mirrors Désirée’s had his own background been known, emphasizing the cruelty of the racial system.

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Description

Explore the themes and conflicts in Kate Chopin's 1894 short story 'Désirée's Baby.' This guide covers the protagonist's journey, setting, and significant plot points that highlight issues of racial discrimination and societal hypocrisy. Discover the depth of Chopin's storytelling in this pre-Civil War context.