Use Of Irony In Desiree's Baby

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Irony in “Desiree’s baby”

Many writers from the past and present practice the use of irony in their writings. Irony is the outcome opposite of what was expected or predicted. In “Desiree’s Baby” irony is demonstrated in three different ways. To begin, Armand is an African American and works on a plantation. Although it is because of him that the child is dark skinned, Armand blames Desiree and has her sent away.

In Kate Chopin’s “Desiree’s Baby” irony is used when Armand blames Desiree for their child being black. Armand says “the child is not white; it means that you are not white” (83). Armand continuously puts the blame of the child’s skin color on Desiree. At the very end of the story Armand finds a letter from his mother that states “Armand will never know that his mother, who adores him, belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of …show more content…
He believes that Desiree is the reason for the baby’s skin color. Desiree approaches Armand, asking him if she should leave. He replies “Yes, I want you to go” (83). Desiree then takes the baby and leaves her home and Armand behind. Armand finds the letter from his mother after he has asked Desiree to leave with the baby. Irony lies in the fact that he sent her away over a problem that he himself caused, believing that she was at fault.

Kate Chopin uses multiple examples of irony in “Desiree’s Baby” as well as in many of her other stories. Chopin shows irony when Armand blames Desiree for the color of their child’s skin, the fact that he works on a plantation despite his mother being of slave blood, and through the action of Armand sending Desiree and the baby away even though he is the true cause of the baby’s skin color. Kate Chopin is an impressive writer with great uses of irony as well as other literature

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