Man’s Domination Over Woman in Kate Chopins Desirees...

Man’s Domination Over Woman in Desiree’s Baby Differences between people create conflicts between people. This is especially true between men and women, since throughout history society has viewed women as subservient to men. Kate Chopin’s feminist short story, Desiree’s Baby, illustrates man’s domination over woman. Since Desiree meekly accepts being ruled by Armand, and Armand regards Desiree as his possession, the master/slave relationship that exists between Armand and Desiree is undeniable. Armand believes that since he possesses a superior social position than does Desiree, he is at liberty to be master over her. As a plantation owner and a descendant of the Aubigny family which bears one of the oldest and proudest†¦show more content†¦Desiree is therefore not oblivious to Armand’s’ thoughts, so she must know that she is subservient to Armand. The fact that Desiree and Armand are both aware of Desiree’s subservience strengthens the master/slave relationship. Yet it is not until Armand believes that Desiree is black that he fully dominates her simply by thinking that he is superior. At this point, â€Å"when he spoke to her, it was with averted eyes, from which the old love-light seemed to have gone out† (317). Armand feels that he is too superior to Desiree to devote his full attention to her. Since he no longer expresses his love for Desiree, she feels further pushed into a slave-like position in the relationship, and, â€Å"was miserable enough to die† (318). Desiree is dependent upon Armand like a slave to a master. Her unconditional love for Armand despite her subordinate position in the relationship illustrates how truly dependent she is upon him. â€Å"Marriage, and later the birth of his son had softened Armand Aubigny’s imperious and exacting nature greatly. This was what made the gentle Desiree so happy, for she loved him desperately.† (317). The fact that Desiree derives her happiness from pleasing Armand shows that she is not only his slave, but also that she helps to put herself into this position. â€Å"When he frowned she trembled, but loved him† (317). Desiree’s simultaneous fear and love of Armand elevates him to a god-like status inShow MoreRelatedDesiree s Baby By Kate Chopin1419 Words   |  6 PagesIn Kate Chopin’s story, â€Å"Desiree’s Baby,† written during the 19th century, Desiree is concerned that her child is of a distinct racial background. Her spouse, Armand, blames and accuses her of being half African-American. The worst problem she could ever imagine is to leave the one she admires the most, her husband. Feminist interpretation refers to the relationships encountered between separate genders. Like the article â€Å"Literary Theory† states, feminist interpretation presents the order of â€Å"behavior