Symbolism In The Awakening, By Kate Chopin

Throughout the antebellum era separation of whites and blacks was the usual among plantations dotted along the South. Until more recent times, slavery was not frowned upon, and the ideas of men have been help to higher stature those of women. Kate Chopin introduces a continuation of themes surrounding the general theme of racism by her use of irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism to ultimately prove to the reader throughout the story that Armond is aware of his African American lineage from the beginning of the plot, to the chilling ending of his “discovery.” Progressing through the story it is evident that Chopin is trying to convey the idea that Armand is aware of his roots. It is not evident until the end however that he is aware of his leaked information when he stumbles upon an old letter

This evidence being stated from Desiree as, “...Armand heard him the other day as far away as La Blanche’s cabin.” In the quote Chopin foreshadows the birth of the baby and leads one to believe that Armand was with LeBlanche. This evidence would be far less convincing had LeBlanche not have a child who is also black, like Desiree’s baby. Based on the evidence that has been given, Armand would know he is black because he has two black children both having white mothers. Another idea that one must keep in mind is the reasoning for Armand to be at LeBlanche’s cabin. Since she can in the most simple way be described as an indentured servant based on her duties, one must ask why the owner of slaves would be seeing his servant at her cabin for any other reason than to see his presumed child. In addition, one can see that Armand ignorance has been shown by the symbolism of this new child that will remain fatherless. This child of LeBlanche’s shines light on Armand’s true lineage, as he not only has this child but his other with Desiree that is also