The mask worn in “Désirée’s Baby,” hides within it the judgmental hatred of racism that developed between the Black and White race. The short story is set in Louisiana during the Civil War Era, and follows Désirée, the wife of the racist and cruel plantation owner, Armand Aubigny (Chopin). The location and setting support a major responsibility in conveying the judgmental hatred of racism to Blacks by the White. During the short story, it is evident the love Armand developed for Désirée and their child eased his treatment of his slaves. For instance, Désirée once stated to her mother, “he hasn't punished one of them-not one of them- since the baby is born” (Chopin 2). Based on Désirée words, it can be deducted that the love Armand developed …show more content…
However, as the baby grows, Armand’s character transformed once more. Désirée noticed when the baby was three months old that Armand would speak to her with “averted eyes, from which the old love-light seemed to have gone out” and Armand would avoid hers and her child’s presence (Chopin 2). The sudden behavioral change in Armand suggests that something developed between Armand and Désirée that is returning his hatred and judgmental attitude slowly. Toward the end of the short story, Désirée realizes that her child’s skin color has darkened until it has become blackish in color (Chopin 3). Fearful of the truth, Désirée confronts Armand and interogrates him about the baby’s recent development, where she learns the truthful suspicion that Armand had that Désirée was not entirely white (Chopin 3). As a result of the suspicion, Désirée learns that Armand has lost his love for her, since she has brought shame upon his family name. Distraught from his fleeting love, Désirée leaves with the baby, with the intention of returning to her mother’s home but instead enters the bayou where she commits suicide and infanticide