Desiree’s Baby Story Summary
“Desiree’s Baby” is a short story by Kate Chopin that was published in 1893. The story follows the life of a young woman named Desiree and her relationship with her husband, Armand, who is the son of a wealthy plantation owner.
At the beginning of the story, Desiree is a young, naïve woman who is deeply in love with Armand. The two marry and have a baby together, but as their child grows older, it becomes clear that the baby has African American ancestry. Armand becomes enraged upon discovering this and blames Desiree, believing that she is of mixed race. He casts her out of their home and she leaves with the baby, never to return.The story ends with the revelation that Armand’s own mother was actually of African American descent, and that he himself is the one with mixed heritage. This realization comes too late, however, as Desiree and the baby have already left and Armand is left alone to contemplate the consequences of his actions.
Throughout the story, Chopin explores themes of race, love, and identity, and the ways in which societal expectations and prejudices can shape and distort these things. “Desiree’s Baby” is a powerful and thought-provoking tale that remains relevant and resonant to this day.