The Relationship Between Identity and Power in "Desiree's Baby"
             In Kate Chopin's "Desiree's Baby," Armand, Desiree, and their child hold a degree of power based on race, and family background. Armand for example, sustains great power over the slaves at his father's plantation. His family name and racial status allow him to hold such a position. Chopin writes, "Young Aubigny's rule was a strict one, too, and under it his Negroes had forgotten how to be gay." Likewise, the people around Desiree enable her to have certain privileges until she is abandoned for a second time. Desiree's power subsides with the uncertainty of her family background. Unfortunately, the innocent child's bright future comes to a halt with the discovery of his mixed race. At a given point in each of the character's lives, social identity allows them to have a certain degree of power that is subject to change.
             Desiree is abandoned as a child and nameless until the Valmonde family enters her life. A child of an uncertain future fell into the hands of a loving and caring family. Desiree rose to higher status by becoming part of the Val monde family. Chopin states, "For the girl grew to be beautiful and gentle, affectionate and sincere, --the idol of Valmonde." Her beauty soon struck Armand, and he willingly walked into her life. After marriage, Desiree enjoys her life with Armand and the new child until the child's race was a concern. The mixed ancestry of the child brought Desiree's family background into question. She was facing much hardship on the plantation now that her identity was equal to a slave. She was powerless after being blamed for the baby's racial status, and is abandon once again. If Desire decides to live on the plantation, she will end up like La Blanche. In addition, Desiree will have to face many years knowing what she had before
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