Issues of Racial Identity
Désirée’s Baby by Kate Chopin is a story about how different aspects of a person are perceived, such as race, gender, and identity. The topics presented by the author are relevant and necessary for understanding a conscious civil society. In addition, the story presents them with an unexpected side, which catches the reader’s interest and draws them into reflections about human nature, how their views are formed, and what actions depend on. In connection with all these factors, I liked the story as it is a valuable read to learn to better understand all the subtleties of human consciousness.
Choosing Analysis Tools for the Work
The most suitable tools for analyzing selected work are character, significant object, and contextual analysis. With the help of these mechanisms, the story’s meaning can be revealed in as much detail as possible, and one can understand what the author meant. Character analysis is appropriate for the story as they play a central role throughout the story and the key themes it touches on.
The analysis of significant objects is also helpful in this story, as it can be used to qualitatively assess how the story develops depending on the color of the baby’s skin. Contextual analysis is essential because it is necessary to consider the time and location of the story’s events. At that time, slavery was still not prohibited, and the social attitudes of people played a significant role in the history of the characters.
Character Analysis
I did not like Armand Aubigny’s character the most in the story I read. Initially, the author shows him as a kind and loving person who treats Désirée well. However, after the birth of a child, when he discovers that their code is dark, they change dramatically, and Aubigny becomes cruel and heartless, driving his wife and child out of the house (Chopin, 2016). This character is interesting in that it demonstrates how much a person can change due to prejudice and marginalization established in society.
Contextual Analysis
The “hook” of this story became a mystery about Désirée’s origins and the color of her child’s skin. The author gradually reveals this information, which makes one get carried away with history and look forward to what will happen next. In addition, it keeps the suspense and evokes emotion in the characters, which is a good indicator that the story is well-written.
The whole story is made up of quite exciting sentences, but there is one that I remember the most. In the work, I especially liked the sentence, “He absented himself from home; and when there, avoided her presence and that of her child, without excuse” (Chopin, 2016, p. 3). This sentence is interesting in that it reveals Armand’s character in detail in just a few words.
By analyzing the needs, desires, and obstacles of the Désirée character, one can understand that she wants sincere love and needs to find a place where she will be safe. However, her racial identity is the obstacle to fulfilling her needs and desires. Because of this, she fails to overcome obstacles and is left without her desires and needs.
Significant Objects
A significant object for the story is the color of the child’s skin, as it catalyzes all events and starts the plot. We can say that this object is the most crucial element since all the story’s main events take place because of it. Context is essential for the writing of the work, as the story took place in the South when slavery was legal. Factors of racial prejudice and marginalization of blacks at the time play a key role in the narrative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be noted that my feelings from reading the story have not changed since I initially considered this work well-written. It accurately conveys and recreates the plight of blacks during the days of slavery. Unexpected plot twists help keep the reader interested and make the story exciting. In this regard, reading it can help to understand the sources of prejudice, the formation of racial identity, and the influence of culture on this.
Reference
Chopin, K. (2016). Desiree’s baby. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.