Racism and Prejudice in Kate Chopin's Desiree's Baby

In Kate Chopin's short story, Desiree's Baby, the author uses symbolism to unveil the racism and prejudice present in society during the 19th century. The story is set in Louisiana, and the plot revolves around the characters Desiree and her husband Armand. At first, everything seems perfect in their marriage, but as the story progresses, Armand's racist attitude is revealed, leading to tragic consequences. Through the use of symbolism, Chopin portrays the devastating effects of racism and prejudice on individuals and society.

One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the baby's skin color. When Desiree gives birth to a baby boy, it is revealed that the baby has a dark complexion, which causes Armand to assume that Desiree has African American ancestry. This revelation is significant because Armand comes from a family with a long history of racism and prejudice towards African Americans. The baby's skin color serves as a symbol of racial identity and highlights the destructive impact of racism on individuals and families.

Another symbol in the story is the stone pillar. The stone pillar is described as the entrance to the plantation and is a symbol of the family's heritage and social status. However, at the end of the story, Armand destroys the pillar as a symbol of his rejection of his family's past and Desiree's African American ancestry. The destruction of the stone pillar represents the destruction of the family's heritage and the consequences of racism and prejudice.

Chopin also uses the symbol of fire in the story. The fire is present in the background throughout the story, and it is used to foreshadow the tragic ending. The fire is a symbol of destruction and chaos, and it represents the destructive impact of racism and prejudice on individuals and society. The fire also serves as a symbol of the passion and intensity of Desiree and Armand's relationship, which ultimately leads to their tragic end.

In addition to the symbols used in the story, Chopin's use of language and imagery also highlights the racism and prejudice present in society during the 19th century. For instance, Armand's treatment of his slaves is depicted as cruel and inhumane. The slaves are treated as property and are not shown any compassion or empathy. This depiction of slavery and the treatment of slaves serves as a reminder of the dehumanization of African Americans during that time period.

Chopin's use of symbolism in Desiree's Baby is a powerful tool to unveil the racism and prejudice present in society during the 19th century. The symbols used in the story highlight the destructive impact of racism and prejudice on individuals and society, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity. The story also raises important questions about identity and the impact of race on an individual's life.

In conclusion, Desiree's Baby by Kate Chopin is a thought-provoking story that uses symbolism to unveil the racism and prejudice present in society during the 19th century. Through the use of symbols such as the baby's skin color, the stone pillar, and fire, Chopin highlights the destructive impact of racism and prejudice on individuals and society. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their race or ethnicity.