Conditional vs. Unconditional Love Fondness, tenderness, attachment, endearment: these are all synonyms for love. Ideally, these feelings are everlasting; however, they are oftentimes simply circumstantial. “Désirée’s Baby” by Kate Chopin provides distinct examples of these two types of love, typically known as conditional and unconditional. Chopin’s use of literary devices such as imagery, irony, foreshadowing and symbolism perfectly carves out the conditional love of Armand for Désirée and their child; however, Chopin uses these same devices to enhance the unconditional love of Désirée’s mother for her daughter and grandchild. Armand’s love for Désirée is the epitome of conditional love. This is prevalent throughout the story - from the moment he falls in love with her until the moment he banishes her from his home and his life. Initially, Armand is struck by love so suddenly, it seems nearly impossible: “...as if struck by a pistol shot” (1). The simple imagery used her foreshadows the inevitable quick disappearance of Armand’s love as it creates a stigma of provisionalism in his emotions. Armand’s love for Désirée is reflected in the change of his mood and behavior towards her, the baby and the slaves on his plantation. It is first said that Armand is the proudest husband and father around; that he is always seen with a happy, smiling face. After marrying, he seems to be kinder to the slaves, no longer punishing them as he had before, even so in the instances that