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Desiree Baby Identity

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In the short story by Kate Chopin "Desiree Baby" discusses the issue of race and identity concerns that arise. It is explored throughout the short story about a young woman and her tragic lifestyle, Desiree. The story does suggest that racism is a destructive force that can tear people apart, that is also often based on stereotypes and false assumptions The short story dates back to the 19th century and in the South where the issues of race and identity were well aware by the community. The short story, "Desiree Baby" is a haunting and provoking tale. Kate Chopin proclaims the catastrophes of prejudice and confrontation of one’s identity. Kate Chopin also exposes racism and its ability to corrupt good morals, someone and emphasizes the importance …show more content…

For Armand to forget the existence of his child and wife, he ask his servants to burn the belongings that once belong to Desiree and the baby. The servants burnt belongings such as Desiree's silk dress, the baby's bassinet, and other items. This symbolic is an act of destruction and highlights Armand's desire. This act also proves the destruction of Desiree and the baby's identity. There also were bundles of letter that Armand thought was from Desiree. These "innocent little scribblings that Desiree has sent to him during the days of their espousal" (Chopin 6). There was one more letter in the back drawer. It was from Armand's mother, that she wrote to Armand's father before she left them behind. It's a pivotal moment for Armand that leaves him in utter shock. Armand had African ancestry, and which he was completely unaware about Not only does the letter expose the truth, but the letter was also about his mother's love to his father. In the letter his mother wrote, "I thank God for having so arranged in our lives that our dear Armand will never know that his mother, who adores him, belongs to the race that is cursed by the brand of slavery" (Chopin 6). His mother is a woman of color, and again living in the south as a black man or women you face racial issues daily. His mother was facing the same racial and identity issues and not getting treated properly. The discovery of …show more content…

He finally came to learning the truth about his own heritage, race, and origin. Not only the discovery of the letter impact Armand himself but his actions have changed. Also, it impacts racism and prejudice on individuals but also targets believing false beliefs. Anger and shame did take a toll on Armand. Not only that the anger built up was from the truth about himself, but the shame Desiree brought into the family. She was demanded to leave the home as soon as possible by the way Armand acted with her. She kept asking him " 'Do you want me to go?' 'Yes, I want you to go'

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