Exploring Social Prejudice and Identity in 'Desiree's Baby'

The main character, Desiree, represents the qualities and characteristics typical of 19th-century women, reflecting their expectations, values, and morals. The central thesis of the story revolves around Armand’s inability to accept and understand Desiree, leading to conflict and the breakdown of their family.

Racial Differences and Social Prejudice

One of the prominent issues explored in "Desiree’s Baby" is racial differences and social prejudice towards skin color. The society portrayed in the story refuses to accept a child who does not match their race, compelling Desiree to abandon her husband and her home. Armand, the father of the child, is depicted as a cold and unsympathetic man who succumbs to social opinion. The only option left for Desiree is to return to her mother, who loves her unconditionally. By telling Desiree’s story, Chopin sheds light on the suffering experienced by women due to racial discrimination.

Inability to Resolve Conflict

The inability to resolve the conflict in the story can be attributed to cultural prejudices and societal values. The society lacks the necessary guidelines for appropriate conduct, making it challenging to navigate through conflicts. Armand’s dismissive comment, "It means that the child is not white; it means that you are not white," perfectly captures the societal norms and false standards that lead to the rejection of Desiree and her baby. Chopin emphasizes that racial identity holds significant importance in a 19th-century family, plunging readers into the underlying anxiety and uncertainty of the culture.

Complexities of Identity

Chopin delves deeper into the complexities of identity in a society where commonly accepted patterns are absent. The interpretation of a woman's identity becomes an active process, influenced by perception and cognitive reflection. The unique personality of each individual is shaped by the interplay between cultural values and personal beliefs. As a cultural type, the mother figure holds immense significance, as children look to women as the basis for moral conduct.

Challenging Societal Notions

In conclusion, "Desiree’s Baby" challenges the societal notion that women do not have the same sexual desires as men. Through the perspective of women, Chopin asserts that women have the same rights as men to love and be loved. The story also reveals the sexual role assigned to women as mothers, wives, and daughters in American society. The perpetuation of the right race was seen as crucial for the strength and worthiness of the nation, reinforcing the ideal of the American masculine type.

Works Cited:

1. Chopin, Kate. "Desiree’s Baby." N.d. Web.