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Desiree's Origin

What information does the text supply about Désirée´s origin? (p.274, No.1)

In the text "Désirèe´s baby" by Kate Chopin, the reader only gets little information about the protagonist's origin. Désirée grows up in a foster family in Louisiana. Her parents only speculate about her origin, they think, for example, that she perhaps moved away from her proper place, "for she was in the toddling age" (l.8) Another possibility could be, that she had been left by a party of Texans who moved through the field to a ferry just below the plantation. But actually, Désirée´s foster mother does not care much about her daughter's unknown past. She is quite fortunate having such a wonderful child.

How is Armand characterized? What is desiree's attitude towards him? (p.274, No.2)

Armand Aubigny belongs to a very good, old, proud and apparently wealthy family in Louisiana and owns a plantation there. He is described as a very passionate man, who very spontaneously decides on his actions and this also makes the decision of getting married to Désirée in an instance. He also is very pig- headed, probably a result of his spoiled childhood when he always got what he wanted. On his plantation, he carries out a very strict rule, punishes the slaves severely and often frowns at things. However, he grows softer through marriage and after the birth of his son, is the proudest father in the country. When it becomes obvious, that the baby is coloured, Armand turns cold towards his wife and son and drives Désirée with his cruelty out of his house. He even feels sorry for himself, thinking that he is treated cruel by God and wants to get back at him by sending Désirée back.
In turn, Désirée is totally devoted to Armand, she loves him desperately, and depends on him to be happy. When he rejects her, her world comes to an end.

Julia and Mareike