Kate Chopin's early short story Desiree's Baby contains the themes that inform the fiction of Chopin, ôa woman who lived before her time, whose stories might be seen as a vindication of the rights of women, and an author whose literary works were controversial and unappreciated until many years laterö (Gilbert 12). Male and female gender roles are a dominant theme explored by Chopin, as well as issues of race and social status, and these themes dominate ôDesiree's Baby.ö
Desiree is a perfect example of a woman totally dominated by a man in a traditional patriarchal society. Unlike ChopinÆs later heroines, Desiree does not strive to liberate herself from her situation, or to find her own voice; what she desires more than anything is to remain dependent on her domineering, condescending husbandÆs goodwill and love. She looks upon him as a kind of God, ôfor she loved him desperately. When he frowned she trembled, but loved him. When he smiled, she asked no greater blessing of Godö (Chopin 82). This all changes, however, when Desiree gives birth to a mulatto baby. Since DesireeÆs origins are unknown, the high placed, slave-owning Armand accuses her of being the one with the ôtaintedö bloodline. His love, that had been so passionate, ends as quickly as it had begun and he tells Desiree to leave, taking their newborn son with her. The ever-obedient female, Desiree does not question her husband or defend herself, although she does half-heartedly offer the information that she is fair: ôI am white! Look at my hair, it is brown and my eyes are gray. And my skin is fairà.Look at my hand; whiter than yours, Armandö (83). The implication that it might be Armand who is part black seems lost upon them both at this point.
The emotionally devastated Desiree, who could have returned to her loving, adoptive parentsÆ home, chooses to go into the bayou instead. Dressed in her nightgown and slippers ôshe disappeared among...