Désirée’s Baby, Kate Chopin: Summary & Analysis

'Désirée’s Baby' by Kate Chopin is a thought-provoking short story that delves into the themes of race and gender. Published in 1893, it continues to be widely studied due to its exploration of these complex topics. The story revolves around a woman named Désirée who marries a plantation owner. However, when their child is born, Désirée is taken aback to discover that the baby is of mixed race. Plot Summary In the story, Madame Valmondé, Désirée's adopted mother, visits her newly married daughter and Armand Aubigny, the plantation owner. Désirée has recently given birth to a baby girl. Madame Valmondé reflects on how her husband had found an abandoned baby, Désirée, many years ago, and they had lovingly adopted her. Armand Aubigny, who moved to Louisiana from Paris at a young age, falls in love with Désirée as she grows into a woman, and they marry. Despite Désirée's orphaned background, Armand is unconcerned and desires to marry her. As Madame Valmondé approaches L'Ab…