The Protagonist In Desiree's Baby By Kate Chopin

Desiree, the protagonist in a feminist short story defies the life of African American

people, and women during the time period she wrote. Kate Chopin wrote “Desiree’s

Baby” when roles for women were initially challenged for their freedom. In “Desiree’s

Baby” Armand accuses Desiree of not being fully white. However, Armand later on finds

out that it is he who has negro in his blood. Desiree finds herself relieved to find out that

it was not her that had negro in her blood. Armand's false accusations towards Desiree,

cause her to become insecure of who she was. Because of Desiree’s strained relationship

with Armand, she has trouble identifying who she really is; Desiree’s internal conflict

causes her to question her race and essentially

She goes to him

laughing hysterically telling him she was fully white" It is a lie; it is not true, I am white!

Look at my hair, it is brown; and my eyes are gray. Look at my hand; whiter than yours,

Armand," (Chopin). She has had enough of his lies. When she first realizes the baby had

African American characteristics, she assumes them to had come from Armand. Her

assumptions were correct. Desiree take on a new identity, but she is unable to hold onto it

for long (Rene). Desiree having trouble with her true identity takes on a new role but is

unsuccessful with finding it. She goes to her mother to tell to tell him that it is not true

"they tell me I am not white. Armand has told me I am not white. For God's sake tell

them it is not true. You must know it is not true" (Chopin). Desiree tries really hard to

convince Armand that it is not her who is black. Role of identity also plays an important

part in Armands mental and emotional state also. His identity is linked to his idea of his

racial superiority(Rene). His lack of identity is underscored by his treatment of Desiree as

5/15/16 Germaine FItchett

a possession instead of a beloved human partner. Desiree loved Armand with her life,