"Désirée's Baby", written by Kate Chopin, is a story about a woman who becomes a victim of hate, distrust, and abuse that stems from the acceptance in society of racism. The errors of racism and distrust are the central themes of "Désirée's Baby", which was written in 1892. How easily not only the lives of those affected by such hate, but those who promote it, can be torn apart is a lesson for us all.
             Désirée, who is an orphan, is found early in life and adopted by Madam Valmonde and her husband. As she grows, Desiree's beauty makes her the object of love to Armond Aubigny, a young man, who himself lost his mother at an early age. Though Madame tried to warn Armand of the fact that Désirée's parents are of uncertain backgrounds, Armand insisted on marrying Désirée. Désirée is a happy and respectful woman in the story who understands the role in society that she is supposed to play. She knows her husband is the head of the household and that she has no place to interfere with his actions.
             Chopin weaves a tale of cruelty, hatred, and partiality in which Désirée must take full control and care for the life of her child due to the social complexities at the time. Women's inferiority to men is also present. Armand's preference was for a male baby. Chopin points out that he would be happy with a girl; however, Armand's extreme pride is "chiefly because it is a boy". Armand's power over Désirée is apparent, because she is only happy when she pleases her husband. For example, when he frowned, she would tremble, and when he smiled, she asked no greater blessing of God. These social circumstances include racism and a patriarchal society that plays into the story's setting of the 19th century Deep South. This comes into the form of Armond's initi
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