I commented after the question instead of using a new post. So I copied and pasted to the correct place. Sorry about that.
Les Wall said...
Week 2 Question # 3. What do you think Chopin is saying about marriage in "Desiree's Baby"? Do you think Chopin is commenting on how a child affects/changes marriage? Why or why not? I loved the way Kate Chopin leads us down one path and suddenly does a complete about face. Desiree has the questionable background and I followed right along, questioning if she really did come from that Texas family passing by all those years ago, Desiree being found near the big stone pillar and doesn't it seem odd that Armand never has eyes for Desiree until he sees 'her one day against the stone pillar in whose shadow she had lain asleep 18 years ago'. This story tells us of the type of intolerance in our country at that time, even though there really is love between them, and I do believe that, because of the racial differences Armand, does not have the time of day for his slaves so when he realizes his child is of dark skin because of his pride he abandons him and the mother (Desiree). Isn't it ironic while he is destroying all that is Desiree's he discovers a letter to his father hidden away many years before from his mother and this is where the story has the real twist he discovers his true history. How must he have felt now that Desiree is gone. It raises more questions; does he feel the guilt of deserting them & hating them so deeply from within, only to newly find out that in which he hated was there within himself; does he feel different in the way he treats his slaves now?
July 3, 2009 3:55 PM
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It is really funny though to know that Armand realized after all that he came from a race cursed by brands of slavery. It felt incomplete at the end of story whether or not Armand reconciled with his wife after reading the letter. But either ways, the cruel mistakes that Armand did is unforgivable because of how he tormented his wife's heart and even his son. The whole story is pretty much a lesson to learn for couples who are engaged in an intercultural relationship. It is better to know one's culture, value, and beliefs before committing in a relationship.
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