In the story Desiree’s Baby I was
pretty disturbed how the husband acted towards Desiree and the baby. I kind of
was happy when Armand found that letter and knew his true origins of his
family. He is the true definition of a hypocrite. But his wife Desiree still
wished good things on Armand and still cares for his well-being she says,
“night and day, I thank the good God for having so arranged our lives that our
dear Armand will never know that his who adored him, belongs to the race this
is cursed with the brand of slavery” (Chopin 1619). Armand wasn’t always such a
brutal man to his slaves. He only turned violent when he accused Desiree being
an African American. He didn’t use to be like this and most people even would
call him a good man. When they the two just met Armand didn’t care about her
origins by his mother did. “Monsieur Valmonde grew practical and wanted things
well considered that is, the girl’s obscure origin. Armand looked into her eyes
and did not care” (Chopin 1616).
You see kind of a shift in Armand
as person kind of like Monsieur Valmonde. She did warn Armand about Desiree in
her defense bit it is terrible how heartless Armand acted to his bride and
child. Desiree loved Armand so much and seemed to be the happiest bride in the
world. I haven’t heard to brides say, “When he frowned she trembled, but loved
him. When he smiled, she asked no greater blessing of God” (Chopin 1617).
Desiree seems to be the most loveable wife Armand could ask for but once he
sees the baby is different then him he takes a turn for the worst. This story
is kind of the opposite of the Wife of his youth because Mr. Ryder acts as a
man and tells the truth to all of his friends and neighbors. He doesn’t coward
to tell what he is he seems proud to acknowledge this slave for what she is:
his wife. Mr. Ryder is a good honest man who does have power in this community
the Blue Veins; which I really didn’t know too much about. These are two
stories have two different ending and meaning but they all revolve around one
central theme: slavery.
I thought it was also interesting that Desiree continued to wish Armand the best even though she is disowned. I think this shows not only that she is the better person than Armand, but also how ridiculous Armand's racial justifications are. In the end Armand didn't deserve Desiree as a wife. Even though the story doesn't exactly end happily, at least Desiree doesn't' have to raise her son around a racist and hypocrite.
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