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Literary Analysis: Analysis Of Symbolism In Desiree's Baby

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Analysis of Symbolism in Desiree’s Baby Set in antebellum Louisiana, Desiree’s Baby tells the story of a couple and how a relationship went south very quickly. Desiree’s Baby gives the reader an idea of how women were treated in the 1850’s and touches on the treatment of slaves Pre-Civil War. In this analysis of Kate Chopin’s, Desiree’s Baby, the symbolism of the treatment of the slaves, the deserted field, and the bonfire all signify more than they let on in the story. The treatment of the slaves differ in several ways in the the text. The different lifestyle conditions represent the major social difference between the Aubigny’s and the slaves living on the property. While visiting with her mother a conversation strikes concerning Desiree’s child that can be heard crying “ as far away as La Blanche’s cabin”(Chopin). La Blanche’s cabin must be a good ways from the main house. This also signifies that Armand was at La Blanche’s cabin. By the same token, La Blanche also has a …show more content…

Identically the same as a backway instead of taking the visible road. Desiree was leaving, walking in the field where “the stubble bruised her tender feet”(Chopin). The rough path symbolizes a rough life that Desiree is about to find and is not accustomed to. The bruising of fer feet represent the bruising on her heart from not being wanted anymore by her husband, Armand. On her journey to her mother Desiree did “ not take the broad, beaten road which led to the far-off plantation of Valmonde”(Chopin). Desiree was not going to her mother. Desiree is going down a path that leads to nowhere. Many believe this foreshadows Desiree’s suciudal death. The field was so rough it “tore her thing gown to shreds”(Chopin). Desiree has had everything and every opportunity given to her. She has never taken the ‘hard way’. Desiree taking this forgotten path shows her old life being left behind her and that things would not be easy for much

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Her hair was uncovered, and the sun’s ray brought a golden gleam from its brown meshes. She did not take the broad beaten road which led to the far-off plantation of Valmonde. She walked across a deserted field, where the stubble bruised her tender feet, so delicately shod, and tore her thin gown to shreds. She disappeared among the reeds and willows that grew thick along the banks of the deep sluggish bayou; she did not come back again” (Chopin 1861/2022 pp. C567-C-568).

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Our heritage is recognized as one of the most defining aspects of our identity, we can either embrace it or despise it, however, our racial ancestry is recognized as being more complicated and talked about in terms of conflict. The text Desiree’s Baby by Kate Chopin shares a common theme with Everyday Use by Alice Walker on the issue of racial heritage and the stigma surrounding it. In Desiree’s Baby by Kate Chopin, the theme of racial heritage is mainly expressed through Desiree’s Husband Armand, who faces his internal conflict with his possible mixed-race background that comes into conflict with his occupation as a slave owner and his marriage with Desiree. When Armand’s suspicions of his racial background are revealed by his external conflict,

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This is shown when Kate writes, “He was reminded that she was nameless. What did it matter about a name when he could give her one of the oldest and proudest in Louisiana?”(Chopin. Par 1). This shoes that Armand wanted to love Desiree and give her what she needed. Monsieur Valmondé gave Armand a chance to explore more into

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“Desiree’s Baby was written by Kate Chopin and she talks about the issues people had back then with racism and gender. She demonstrated those problems by using literary devices such as symbols, conflict, and irony. I advise everyone to read this story for the fact this kind of conflict is still happening today and we need to work together for a change. Overall this was a great story and it teaches you many great lessons. Take a look

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During the era in which this short story was written, southern authors had a major influence on the way the culture was going to grow with racism, and also the way people loved each other. Kate Chopin, a traditional author who believed in southern ways, exemplifies how race and the characteristics of conditional love played a role in her story. In “Desiree’s Baby,” the author, Kate Chopin, provides an illustration of conditional love exemplified by the character, Armand, towards his wife and child; furthermore, Chopin provides instances of irony, elements of surprise, foreshadowing, and symbolism to prove that Armand’s love for both of them was not the unconditional love typically felt and portrayed by women, such as Desiree, during this era. Throughout the story, the readers notice different times where Chopin uses elements of surprise. One major surprise is when Armand opens the letter from his mother and finds out that he has African American in his bloodline.

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