“Desiree’s Baby”
Name:
Please write in complete sentences.
FINAL IRONY: Explain the irony of the ending of “Desiree’s Baby”? Use the word “but” and fully explain
both what Armand thought and what the reality was.
Now, I would like you to go back and re-read the story and look at the details which lead up to the final irony.
1. MADAME VALMONDE:
a) What does Madame Valmonde feel about Desiree when she first comes to her as a toddler? (include
a quote)
b) What does the fact that Madame Valmonde “grew practical and wanted things well considered”
when Armand wanted to marry Desiree show about how Madame Valmonde feels about Desiree?
c) What does the content of her letter to Desiree at the end show about how she feels about Desiree?
2.
ARMAND:
a) Look at the language in the 4th paragraph describing how Armand fell in love with Desiree. Jot
down several phrases that describe that love. What are the connotations of those words/phrases?
What does that suggest about his love?
b) How does Armand treat his slaves BEFORE he falls in love with Desiree? (include a quote)
c) What are some words and phrases throughout the story that suggest Armand’s true personality?
d) Why does Armand send Desiree away? (see last paragraph on page 3, especially)
3. DESIREE:
a) What are some words and phrases throughout the story that suggest Desiree’s true
personality?
b) Find and copy down two quotes that show how Desiree feels about Armand?
c) How does Desiree discover the racial background of her baby?
d) Where does Desiree go when Armand sends her away? Why, do you suppose?
4. IMPLICATIONS:
a) What do you suppose happens to Armand after the story is over?
b) What does this story say about this society in Louisiana?
c) How do you suppose the author, Kate Chopin, feels about this society?
d) How does any of the above change the way you view the ending and final irony of the story?