Desiree's Baby Identity

The difference in races and origins is seen in various works and leads to a more intriguing plot. Kate Chopin's short story, “Desiree’s Baby,” is based around the idea that the white race is superior to those of african american descent. Race is the reason Desiree and Armand separate; Armand believes that Desiree is of black descent, and he believes that one is not to have relationships with different races. Although race plays an important role in this short story, the element of identity is the source of the conflict in Chopin's work. Desiree has an unknown identity until she is adopted by Valmondes and later on by Armand who insisted that her origin was not important; he states, “What did it matter about a name when he could give her one of the oldest and proudest in Louisiana?” (Chopin 1). Armand is persistent in building a relationship with Desiree until he suspects of her being of a different race. The ending to this story is predicted due to Chopin’s use of foreshadowing. The use of this device allows the author to create suspense and a bigger difference between the two races. “Desiree’s Baby” conveys how an unknown origin can cause bigger issues involving race

This ending is foreshadowed when Desiree is describing Armands mood changes to her adoptive mother. Armand is much nicer and lenient with his workers, “Armand’s dark,handsome face had not often been disfigured by frowns since the day he fell in love with her.” (2). While his mood is important the key point is how Chopin describes him, she uses the adjective “dark” to describe his physical appearance. The reader expects Armand to be of the white race considering he grew up alongside his family unlike Desiree. The readers are hinted toward the “surprise” ending in which Armand is descendant of