Figurative Language In Désirée's Baby

One of the most prevalent themes in literature and today’s society is the role that gender plays in the American family, in this case, most predominantly in the South. Most traditionalist thinkers, even today, believe that women have limited options in what they can and cannot do; to some, it is truly a “man’s world.” While written in the late 1800’s, Kate Chopin’s short story “Désirée’s Baby” contains topics of gender roles in the Southern Antebellum period that have remained relevant worldwide throughout the years. Chopin uses foreshadowing, irony, the element of surprise, and figurative language to portray the traditional gender roles for women in the seventeenth century; she also uses characterization to show the pride Armand had in himself, such as his white, male stature, which caused him to believe that he was never at fault.

Chopin wrote,“When he frowned she trembled, but loved him. When he smiled, she asked no greater blessing of God” (2). Armand’s every move determined how Désirée acted; if Armand was upset, Désirée could not bring herself to feel happiness. As the storyline develops, the family comes to realize that Désirée’s baby is not of white origins. Armand quickly places the blame upon Désirée, stating that it must be her that is black. Désirée is shocked at this conclusion made by her husband. The story states, “A quick conception of all that this accusation meant for her nerved her with unwonted courage to deny it” (3). Women in the seventeenth century were essentially seen as only a “pretty face” made to take care of her and her husband’s child or children. It was uncommon for a women to stand up for herself, such as how Désirée defended her origins. Chopin used this to show that women did not have to conform to traditional