Desiree's Baby Symbolism

In “Desiree’s Baby”, the weight placed on race and color is what determines the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Mystery surrounds the reader as they struggle trying to figure out who is the protagonist and antagonist. In our modern world, where skin color is no longer a big issue, it is shocking and appalling to see how it affects the characters in Chopin’s story. Madame Valmonde, Desiree’s mother, owned a plantation and African American slaves. When Desiree is found as a toddler, the reader can presume that she is Caucasian. “For the girl grew to be beautiful and gentle, affectionate and sincere, - the idol of Valmonde.” (Chopin 1605). Later in the story, she compares her skin to that of Armands to prove how white she is. This comparison

The oak trees become the cage that holds the child’s racial secret, in addition to securing Desiree to an emotionally abusive husband. “The roof came down steep and black like a cowl, reaching out beyond the wide galleries that encircled the yellow stuccoed house. Big, solemn oaks grew close to it, and their thick-leaved, far-reaching branches shadowed it like a pall.” (Chopin 1606). A pall is defined as a cloth spread over a coffin, or a dark cloud. Desiree’s clothing represents the extravagance of Armand’s wealthy and materialistic lifestyle. He showers her with gifts when he loves her, but he burns them when they become separated. Something as simple as a child’s skin color makes him fall out of love with her, even though he has no definite knowledge of her ancestry. Did Armand subconsciously know of his parent’s secret? Perhaps his ignorance is the only way he can live with himself. Her clothing also signifies her sanity. From the beginning, she wears white laces and muslins. As she walks to the bayou, they are torn to shreds and her tender feet become bruised. The shock of her husband telling her to leave tore her heart open and hurt her soul. There is a large difference between Armand Aubigny and Madame Valmonde’s views on skin color. When Madame Valmonde discovers the truth of Desiree’s baby, she says nothing. Later, she insists that they both come home, even though she knows the truth. Perhaps that is where Desiree went after she disappeared into the