Extra credit: Desiree's Baby
I. Answer one of the following (worth 2 points):
(1) What is the meaning of the phrase, "He was reminded that she was nameless." in the
context in which it appears? (bottom page 1)
(2) Give the answers to ALL of the following:
- Where had the Valmonde family found Desiree for the first time when she was a baby?
- Why had Armand's mother never left France?
- What was Madame Valmond's reply to Desiree's letter?
- During which month were they picking cotton at L'Abri?
- What did Armand have put on the bonfire?
- What is the definition of 'brand' as it is used in the last sentence of the story?
(3) In your own words:
- Describe Desiree.
- Describe how Desiree and Armand met and fell in love.
II. Answer two of the following (worth a total of 4 points):
(1) Describe and explain the series of changes in Armand Aubigny's behavior as the
story unfolds.
(2) Why do you think there was an "air of mystery among the blacks" (middle page 3)
and frequent visitors to L'Abri about 3 months after Desiree's baby was born?
(3) Why was it assumed that Desiree was the reason her child was not white?
(4) Why do you think Armand did not consider Desiree's origins before marrying her?
(5) Before the last few lines of this story, what is/are the clue(s) given by the author
which hint at the true cause of the baby's appearance?
III. Answer two of the following (worth a total of 4 points):
(1) Do you think Armand burnt the last letter together with the rest? Explain the
thinking behind your answer.
(2) Do you believe there are circumstances (not necessarily related to race) in which
Armand (or any husband) would behave in the same way today?
(3) Why did Desiree ask her husband if he wanted her to go and then act on his decision?
Do you think this merely reflected her character, or society at the time of the story, or
both?
(4) Discuss the relationship between Armand's mother and father. How do you think
their relationship was? Use information from the story to support your views.
(5) Discuss why you think a person's race has been such a divisive issue in many
different societies.