Desiree's Baby, By Kate Chopin

In the fictional story “Desiree’s Baby” written by Kate Chopin, Armand and Desiree struggle with the fact their baby is black despite them being white. Chopin foreshadows that Desiree’s unknown past will affect her marriage to develop a thrilling plot. Early in the story, the reader learns some information about Desiree. “Monsieur Valmonde grew practical and wanted things well considered: that is, the girl’s obscure origin”. No one knows anything about Desiree’s background; however, Armand did not care about that because he loved her. He was blinded by love that he did not stop to wonder about her background, and this will cause tension later in the marriage. When Mrs. Valmonde visited Desiree to see the baby she was startled “This is not the baby”. This was the first clue that something was wrong. The baby had dark skin; however, Desiree and Armand had light skin. This can cause readers to believe that Desiree’s unknown past could be a factor in why the baby has dark skin.
Armand had softened up he was even more gracious toward the slaves. However, Chopin reveals that this newfound happiness Desiree has would not last. “When the baby was about three months old, Desiree awoke one day to the conviction that there was something in the air menacing her peace”. Armand begins to become more distant and ignores Desiree and the baby. Not only did the author hint at the marriage slowly coming to an end, she also hints at Desiree’s death when she says “Desiree was miserable enough to die”. Desiree was unhappy in her marriage, for the man she loved did not love her anymore. There is the final breaking point when Desiree asks Armand does he want her to stay or go. Armand can not deal with the fact that Desiree tainted his precious bloodline and tells her to leave. Heartbroken, Desiree leaves the house with baby and disappears into the bayou. Desiree and the baby are never seen