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  • Essay / Symbolism, decor and sexism in “The Baby of Desire”

    The miscegenation and racism on which Kate Chopin’s short story “The Baby of Desire” focuses gave rise to a daring work by a 19th century writer century. These central themes also tie into the story's setting, symbolism, and references to sexism – all interconnected in one way or another. In fact, it is Chopin's manipulation of setting and use of careful, gradually changing descriptions that make the sociological content of his narrative particularly important and powerful. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay While “Desiree’s Baby” begins with a flashback, readers are given a brief but detailed introduction to Desiree’s journey , which only begins when she is found. as a toddler by Mr. Valmonde “at the gates” of his domain. This “gate” with its “large stone pillar” plays an important role in the construction of the story. Not only was it there that Désirée was found, but it was also the very place where Armand Aubigny fell in love with her eighteen years later. This “entrance door” therefore symbolizes the beginning of important changes in Désirée’s life; we can see it as an opening towards another stage of his life, such as his entry into the Valmonde family then his entry into married life with Armand Aubigny. Aubigny's manor, L'Abri, is also introduced with vivid descriptions that emphasize its intimidating appearance. Although the word L'Abri means "shelter", the manor is described as resembling all images related to death, so it is likely that the manor is intended to represent "shelter" from death. beyond. Just this sight makes Madame Valmonde “shiver”; and in its defense, The Shelter is described as "a sad place", much like the idea of ​​a funeral or cemetery, as these are the common "sad" places that would cause one to shudder. Furthermore, the striking comparison of the steep roof with that of a black "hood" gives the impression of the hood of death, and the "thick, far-spanning leafy branches" of the neighboring "great solemn oaks" are depicted to “to cast shadow”. the house “like a sheet”, which is a covering placed over the coffins. All of these disturbing descriptions allude to both the disruptive elements that exist inside the mansion and the inevitable death that awaits the protagonist. Through this house, a symbol of death and desolation, Kate Chopin reveals the “imperious and demanding nature” of the owner – this is one of the aspects symbolized by the disturbing appearance of L’Abri – with the passive disposition of Désirée, affectionate and sincere. “When he [Armand] frowned, she [Désirée] trembled, but loved him. When he smiled, she asked no greater blessing from God”: these sentences establish the relationship between the two, emphasizing Désirée's distinctly inferior manner in treating Armand as a being worthy of taking what he wants while she just gives without asking. in return. This shows that Desiree behaves according to the role assigned at the time, that of a woman completely submissive to her husband, the dominant white man, who has the right to behave as he wishes without worrying about the feelings of his own wife. This sexist insinuation is accentuated when Armand's attitude changes from that of a loving husband to that of a hostile and antagonistic husband. “He was away from home... without excuse”, and despite this change in personality which means that Désirée is “unhappy enough to die”; “she didn’t dare ask him to explain.” It depicts the position of the 19th century wife who, whatever her problems, had no right to..